Meningitis epidemic here for 10 more years

New Zealand's meningococcal disease epidemic, which has killed 15 people this year, is likely to continue for another decade, says the Ministry of Health.

The latest deaths - an 18-year-old from Te Awamutu and another person in the Bay of Plenty - have prompted a plea from public health specialist Dr Jane O'Hallahan for people to watch for the disease's symptoms.

"Meningococcal disease can develop quickly, so it is important that if someone you know is sick, seek help fast," Dr O'Hallahan said.

"Don't wait. Take action as early treatment improves outcomes and can help save lives."

The 15 deaths so far this year compares with eight for the same period last year, an 87 per cent increase. Cases have increased by a third - 316 compared with 241 last year.

"We are in the 11th year of an epidemic, which is expected to continue for a further 10 years," said Dr O'Hallahan, a project manager of the ministry's meningococcal vaccine planning team.

The epidemic has claimed 173 lives and there have been 3866 cases.

In the latest deaths, the Te Awamutu victim was Renee Keatley, who died a few hours after being admitted to Waikato Hospital. Details of the Bay of Plenty case were not available.

So far this year, there have been 32 cases in the Bay of Plenty - eight since the end of June.

Four people have died from the disease in Waikato this year. In one week last month, four Waikato people became ill with the disease.

Dr O'Hallahan said a vaccine for New Zealand was being developed, but it was important that people recognised the symptoms.

Children under five were at great risk of catching the disease.

Symptoms included fever, vomiting, lack of interest in drinks or food, being excessively sleepy, crying and unsettled.

"Rash-like bloodspots under the skin may also appear at a later stage," Dr O'Hallahan said.

The disease is a bacterial infection caused by the germ neisseria meningitis, known as a meningococcus.

It usually affects the membrane around the brain (meningitis) or the blood (blood poisoning).

The disease can cause death or permanent disability such as deafness.

The bacteria can be spread by close contact with saliva, including sharing drinks, cigarettes and food or kissing.

It is also associated with crowded living conditions.

While symptoms often mimic influenza, the condition of those affected by meningococcal disease deteriorates rapidly.

- NZPA