A man is in a serious but stable condition after presenting with a case of meningococcal in a New England hospital, Hunter New England Health reported yesterday.
The health providers did not specify which hospital, but stated it’s the third case this year.
Hunter New England Health is encouraging patients to know the symptoms of the potentially deadly disease.
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The symptoms can disguise as a less sinister illness.
They can include;
- Onset of fever
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Dislike of bright lights
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
The health providers have said symptoms can also be less specific in young children.
- Irritability
- Difficulty waking
- Crying
- Refusal to eat
Other early signs in young children and teenagers may include leg pain, joint pain and cold hands and feet despite a high fever.
Not all people with meningococcal disease develop a rash, but if a rash occurs it typically does not disappear with gentle pressure on the skin. The rash is often red-purplish spots that may look like bruising.
If you believe you may have the symptoms of meningococcal you are encouraged to present to seek medical attention immediately, as the disease can be deadly.
