Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause septicaemia (a severe infection of the bloodstream) and meningitis (swelling of the membranes and fluid that covers the brain and spinal cord).
It can lead to gangrene, requiring limbs to be amputated, and permanent disability such as deafness and brain damage.
On average, Maori contract the disease at double the rate of Europeans. Those of Pacific origin are affected at four times the rate of Europeans.
Each year more than half the victims are under 5.
Since the epidemic began in 1991, the disease has made more than 5400 people sick and killed 220.
Meningococcal disease websites
NZ Ministry of Health
US Centres for Disease Control
World Health Organisation
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Related information and links: Meningococcal disease
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