Health officials from Tropical Public Health Services (Cairns) are urging residents to be vigilant for signs of meningococcal disease following an outbreak in the Yarrabah community. Two young individuals have been diagnosed with the disease and were treated at Yarrabah Emergency Department, with one patient transferred to Townsville University Hospital for further care.
Dr. Paul Dugdale, Acting Director of Tropical Public Health Services (Cairns), stated that antibiotics have been administered to close contacts in the community to help prevent the disease from spreading.
“Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and is transmitted through close contact,” Dr. Dugdale explained. “Approximately 10% of people carry meningococcal bacteria harmlessly in the back of their throat or nose at any given time. However, the bacteria can be spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact, such as kissing.”
Though meningococcal disease is relatively rare, it can lead to severe illness, often progressing rapidly. Symptoms to watch for include a rash, vomiting, fever, headache, confusion, stiff neck, and joint pain.
“Immediate medical attention is critical if someone shows signs of meningococcal disease,” Dr. Dugdale advised. “Early treatment with antibiotics can be lifesaving.” He also emphasized the importance of ensuring children’s meningococcal vaccinations are up to date.
In Australia, the meningococcal ACWY vaccine is provided for free to children at 12 months of age and again in Year 10 of secondary school (or between ages 15 to 19). For children who missed their vaccination, it is available through local GPs. Additionally, the meningococcal B vaccine is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies under two years of age and for people with certain medical conditions that increase their vulnerability to the disease.
Dr. Jason King, Director of Clinical Services at Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services, acknowledged the serious risk posed to the community by the outbreak. “Our Public Health Team has been working closely with the community since the first case was identified over 10 days ago,” Dr. King said.
He added that the appearance of a second case this week is particularly concerning due to connections within the affected household. Further contact tracing and screening of all close and household contacts are now underway to identify any additional cases.
“We are intensifying our vaccination efforts, as this is a strong preventative measure,” Dr. King stated. “We are also continuing to educate the community about the symptoms and treatment of meningococcal disease. Unfortunately, our chronic housing situation puts us at higher risk.”
Background Information on Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease, while rare, poses a serious health risk. It does not spread easily, and outbreaks are uncommon in Far North Queensland. However, overcrowded living conditions increase the risk of transmission.
The bacteria responsible for the disease are spread through activities such as coughing, sneezing, kissing, and sharing food or drinks. Close-contact environments like day-care centers, school camps, and nightclubs facilitate the spread of the bacteria.
There are several strains of meningococcal bacteria, with the B strain now being the most common in Australia since the introduction of the meningococcal C vaccine. This vaccine provides strong protection against the C strain, which has significantly decreased in Australia. A vaccine for the B strain is available on the private market. However, immunity to one strain does not protect against others.
Young children, particularly those under five years old, and infants under one year of age are at the highest risk of contracting meningococcal disease. There is also a secondary peak of cases seen in late adolescence and early adulthood.
Meningococcal infection can develop rapidly, often piggybacking on other respiratory infections such as influenza. With early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, most people recover fully. However, even with treatment, the disease can still be fatal in about five to 10% of cases, with outcomes varying depending on the strain and the patient’s age. While cases often occur sporadically, outbreaks involving multiple people remain rare.
