On Saturday the disease claimed the life of 18-year-old Ben Brown who died in Whangarei Hospital three days after he was admitted with a headache, fever and drowsiness and placed in intensive care. He became critical within 24 hours.
One-year-old Jacob Whyte died earlier this month in Auckland's Starship Hospital after being transferred from Whangarei.
His grandmother, Josie Howe, died from the disease at Middlemore Hospital and the Northland District Health Board (NHDB) said it had yet to confirm suggestions she contracted the disease soon after visiting Jacob in hospital
The board's medical officer of health, Loek Henneveld, said it was essential that people remained vigilant and were familiar with symptoms of the disease.
"We would also like to remind members of the community that the number of Northland cases is within the normal perimeters for this time of year".
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection which causes two very serious illnesses -- septicaemia, which is blood poisoning, and meningitis, an infection of the brain membranes.
Health authorities said the disease was not transferred through the air, and their best advice was "don't share spit".
Symptoms in babies and young children may include fever, irritability, sleepiness, floppiness, hard to wake, refusing drink or food, vomiting and a rash. Adults can have similar symptoms and may also have a stiff neck, headache and sensitivity to lights.
Prompt treatment with antibiotics (usually by injection) can prevent death or permanent disability such as brain damage or deafness.
- NZPA
