Urgent meningococcal warning issued to Schoolies attendees after a teenager is diagnosed with the deadly illness in the middle of the wild celebrations
- Warning issued after teen, 18, from Victoria contracted meningococcal disease
- Attended Schoolies festivities in the Qld Sunshine Coast town of Maroochydore
- School leaver attended venues in area between November 26 and December 2
Health authorities have issued an urgent warning after a teen was diagnosed with meningococcal disease while attending Schoolies celebrations in Queensland.
The teen, 18, from Victoria attended end of school festivities in the Sunshine Coast town of Maroochydore last week.
Anybody who attended venues in the area between November 26 and December 2 have been urged to be alert for symptoms.
Symptoms include onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting.
School leavers who celebrated Schoolies in Queensland (pictured) are urged to be alert for symptoms of meningococcal disease
The teen attended Schoolies celebrations in the beachside town of Maroochydore
Young people aged 15- 25 are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease, which can affect all age groups.
‘People who suspect symptoms of this disease should immediately seek medical attention – early treatment for meningococcal is life-saving,’ Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer Deborah Friedman said.
‘The close contact between young people at events like Schoolies may have placed them at an increased risk of contracting this infection,’
‘Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community from the harmful effects of meningococcal disease,’
Victoria has reported 14 cases of meningococcal so far in 2022.
It follows the tragic death of NSW South coast teen Ally Behan, 18 a week after the school leaver attended the Spilt Milk music festival in Canberra.
She was rushed to hospital days later before her life support was turned off on Sunday.
Ally was the the third person to die from meningococcal and 29th case in NSW this year.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious and sometimes fatal infection caused by certain strains of bacteria that can be found in the upper respiratory tract in a proportion of the population
It can spread from person to person through close or prolonged contact, such as between household members or intimate partners.
Meningococcal disease can occur year-round, with increases normally seen in late winter and early spring.
Meningococcal disease symptoms include a rash of red-purple spots or bruises
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