A young woman has passed away in a lower Mid-North Coast hospital from meningococcal disease – the second death in two days from the disease.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was the sixth case of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England region this year, but the health service said there were no links between this and any previous cases.
A story in yesterday’s NDL incorrectly reported it was the sixth death in the health district from meningococcal disease – when in fact it was the sixth case reported so far this year.
Hunter New England Health announced on Thursday a young woman had passed away in a lower Mid-North Coast hospital from the disease.
Tragically, her death came less than 24 hours after the year’s fifth case, an elderly woman, had been confirmed at a lower Hunter hospital.
The health service said in 2014 there were 11 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England Local Health District. There were 11 confirmed cases in 2013, nine in 2012, 15 in 2011 and 13 in 2010.
A spokesman said close contacts of the woman were being prescribed clearance antibiotics.
“Meningococcal disease may be very severe and the community needs to be on the alert for its symptoms. If anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately,” public health physician Dr David Durrheim said.