A public health response is underway after a case of meningococcal disease was confirmed in Tasmania.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Department of Public Health specialist medical advisor Dr Shannon Melody on Friday evening confirmed a man in his late teens from the North-West Coast had been diagnosed with the disease.
He is now in a stable condition but is receiving treatment at the Launceston General Hospital after becoming "seriously unwell".
"Public Health Services is currently working with the case's family to ensure they and other close contacts are properly managed to minimise the risk of further infection," Dr Melody said.
"The strain of meningococcal disease contracted by the man is serogroup B."
It is the first reported case of meningococcal disease in Tasmania this year, with the average annual number of cases sitting at seven.
Symptoms of meningococcal can include fever, severe headache, confusion, severe muscle pain, and rash.
Dr Melody said 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," Dr Melody said.
Anyone who suspects they or someone they care for may have contracted meningococcal disease is urged to seek emergency medical care immediately.
VACCINATION INFORMATION
Vaccination against the A, C, W and Y strains is routinely recommended and provided for free as part of the National Immunisation Program for children aged 12 months and as part of the school-based program for students in year 10, according to the department of public health.
A vaccine is available to protect against the B strain for children from 6 weeks of age, and is free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants.
The vaccine can also be administered by a General practitioner with a private script.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
Follow us on Google News: The Examiner