Two more meningococcal cases in Northland

More than 4000 students have been vaccinated against meningococcal C disease in high schools in Northland in the past two weeks. File photo / Thinkstock

A 16-month-old child is suspected of having the 12th case of the potentially deadly meningococcal disease that has killed three people in Northland since July.

The toddler's admission to Whangarei Hospital on Wednesday night follows that of a 2-year-old Kaipara girl who was admitted to the hospital on October 9 and has been confirmed as having meningococcal disease.

The two cases come as the Northland District Health Board rolls out community clinics as part of its campaign to vaccinate up to 40,000 Northlanders aged between 1 and 20 years against the meningococcal C disease outbreak hitting the region.

This week the mass vaccination campaign - targeting those most at risk from the deadly disease - was taken to the centre of Whangarei, with nurses giving out free meningococcal C vaccinations from a caravan set up in the Cameron St Mall and clinics at city shopping centres and even the Whangarei Skatepark - a popular spot for teenagers during the school holidays.

Northland Medical Officer of Health Jonathan Jarman said the 2-year-old was in a stable condition. Dr Jarman said if the 16-month-old is confirmed as having meningococcal, it will be the 12th case in Northland since July.

"We have contacted family and people who have had close contact with these children during the last week while the child was infectious; sharing food and drink, playing and sleeping in the same house with the child. They have been offered advice and preventative treatment," Dr Jarman said.

He said the most important thing with meningococcal disease was that early intervention saved lives.

More than 4000 students have been vaccinated against meningococcal C disease in high schools in Northland in the past two weeks and yesterday.