Vigilance urged over meningococcal disease

Parents who suspect their child has meningococcal disease should get to a GP immediately, the Wanganui District Health Board warns.

Spokeswoman Sue Campion said though cases of the disease were rare in the region, it was still important to be vigilant and for parents to understand the urgency required should there be a risk.

Her comments followed the death of Wellington schoolgirl Amanda Crook-Barker during the week.

The 12-year-old was the third fatal meningococcal case this year. She died on Monday evening after falling ill that afternoon.

Meningococcal disease, which mainly affects infants and teenagers aged 15 to 19 years, is caused by bacteria spread through spit.

Thirty-eight cases of meningococcal disease - none of which were in the Wanganui region - had been reported nationally between January 1 and July 31, according to Environmental Science and Research figures.

People infected with the bacteria can deteriorate rapidly and often exhibit flu-like symptoms.

Those who survive are sometimes left with serious disabilities as amputation of limbs can be necessary when fighting the illness.

Helen Petousis-Harris, of the Immunisation Advisory Centre, recommended everyone vaccinate against the disease, especially those in the high-risk age groups.

Two main types of vaccines were available in New Zealand and could be bought from GPs. Both protected against the most prevalent strain "C" of the disease, which accounted for about 50 per cent of cases, Dr Petousis-Harris said.

The most effective of the pair - conjugate vaccines - could be administered to infants of any age and would work for about 10 years.

But at a cost of more than $100, it was often an expense many Kiwi parents struggled to afford.

From 2004 to 2008, an outbreak of Meningococcal B saw the MeNZB vaccine added to New Zealand's immunisation schedule for a short period. It has since been removed as the "B" strain does not pose a major threat.

During this time, a Massey University student was diagnosed with the disease. A 5-year-old from Raetihi was treated in Wanganui Hospital and a 17-year-old Horowhenua girl was also treated for the disease at Palmerston North Hospital.

Dr Petousis-Harris warned that none of the vaccines available in New Zealand and overseas provided full protection from meningococcal disease.

The polysaccharide vaccines, which cost around $30, lasted for about four years and only worked in infants over the age of 2.

It was important people immunised their children then considered a "booster" shot during their teenage years, Dr Petousis-Harris said.

"You tend to see infants becoming susceptible after six months. [They] are really vulnerable because at that time they haven't started making their own protection against diseases."

- APNZ

Symptoms and help

- Babies: refusal of feeds, floppiness, vomiting.

- Children and adults: fever, confusion, stiff neck and the appearance of a rash.

Seek help as soon as you think something is wrong.

Ministry of Health Helpline: 0800 611 116

For more information: www.meningitis.org.nz/