Baby rushed to Adelaide hospital after testing positive for meningococcal disease

An 11-month-old baby has been rushed to hospital with a severe meningococcal infection as health authorities identify the child’s close contacts. 

The toddler is being treated for an invasive case of the contagious disease at a hospital in rural South Australia after testing positive over the weekend. 

The baby remains in a stable condition, with health authorities confirming that those who came into contact with the child have all been contacted. 

SA Health said the strain had been identified as serotype B.  

Health authorities have confirmed that those who came into contact with the child have been contacted (pictured is a different baby suffering from meningococcal disease)

Health authorities have directed four people to take clearance antibiotics and have urged the community to get vaccinated for the disease to avoid getting sick. 

Vaccines are covered under national and state-funded projects and are available to infants at six weeks, four months, 12 months and students in Year 10. 

There have been three cases of invasive meningococcal disease across SA so far this year, up from two cases during the same time in 2021. 

All three cases were identified as the serotype B strain.  

There were 14 cases of the contagious disease across the state last year. 

SA Health has warned those who are already vaccinated to remain alert, as the vaccine does not protect against all strains.