He died in a Hunter hospital. A spokesman for the health service said there were no links between this case and any previous ones.

Public health physician Dr David Durrheim said the community needed to remain alert for symptoms of the disease, which could include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour.

Later symptoms may include a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises and drowsiness. 

Babies with the infection can be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry.

“If anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately,” Dr Durrheim said.