The public health service has confirmed the four year-old girl from East Devonport has been diagnosed with meningococcal B disease.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The girl remains in a stable condition the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Acting director of public health Dr Scott McKeown said it was the second case of meningococcal B disease to occur in Tasmania this year.
“The most recent previous case of meningococcal B disease to occur in the State’s North West was in November 2017,” Dr McKeown said.
An immunisation program is being rolled out across the state but it does not cover the B strain.
“Meningococcal B vaccine is available on private prescription from your GP,” Dr McKeown said.
“A Meningococcal ACWY Immunisation Program is being delivered statewide. Under this program, all Tasmanians born after 1 August, 1997 and at least six weeks old are eligible for a free meningococcal vaccination covering the strains A, C, W and Y.”
He said the case of meningococcal B disease does not constitute an outbreak and the rate of meningococcal B disease in Tasmania was similar to the Australian rate.
“Five of the eight meningococcal disease cases this year where due to the meningococcal W strain,” he said.
“All Tasmanians within this age bracket who have not yet received the free vaccine are strongly advised to get one over the next four to six weeks.”
The symptoms of meningococcal disease can include fever, severe headache, confusion, severe muscle pain, and rash.
People who contract meningococcal disease typically progress from feeling well to feeling extremely unwell very quickly.
Babies and infants may not have these symptoms but can be unsettled or drowsy, pale or blotchy, floppy and not feeding.
If you suspect that you or someone you care for may have contracted meningococcal disease, seek emergency medical care immediately.