A 20-year-old Burnie man has been diagnosed with meningococcal B disease - the only strain not covered by a publicly funded vaccine.
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It is the third case of meningococcal B in Tasmania this year and the fifth overall, including two cases of the W strain.
Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said the man had been admitted to the North West Regional Hospital.
"Public Health Services is following up his close contacts who are being advised and managed in line with national guidelines," he said.
"Cases of meningococcal disease occur all year round but tend to be more common between June and September."
Children now receive Australian government funded meningococcal ACWY vaccine at age 12 months and in year 10 of school.
Dr Veitch said some state-funded meningococcal ACWY vaccines were still available free for all Tasmanians born after August 1, 1997 (aged at least six weeks) from their GPs.
However, a meningococcal B vaccine is only available from GPs through a private prescription.
South Australia is the only state that funds the B vaccine.
Dr Veitch said people with meningococcal disease can go from feeling well to extremely unwell very quickly.
"If you, or your child, have seen a doctor but you get worse, go back to your doctor or emergency department. Don't wait," he said.
Symptoms include fever, severe aches and pains, headache, drowsiness and confusion.
Infants can be distressed, limp, pale and feed poorly.
In Tasmania there were 11 cases of meningococcal in 2018 and 16 in 2017.
Visit www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/menw for more meningococcal disease information.
