Health alert on meningococcal disease
Date issued: 7 December 2022
Issued by: Associate Professor Deborah Friedman, Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Disease)
Issued to: Victorian residents and health professionals
Key messages
- The Department of Health has been notified of a case of meningococcal disease acquired in Maroochydore, Queensland during “schoolies” in the period 26 November to 3 December 2022.
- Meningococcal disease is uncommon but can lead to serious illness very quickly.
- Anyone who attended social venues where there was close contact (i.e. nightclubs) in Maroochydore during this period should be alert for symptoms.
- People who develop meningococcal-like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
- Health Professionals should consider meningococcal disease in patients with compatible illness, especially those who were in the Maroochydore area.
- Early recognition and treatment are critical as meningococcal disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated.
- There are different strains of infection, and the disease can occur in people even if they have been vaccinated.
- Check that you and your children are up to date with meningococcal vaccinations.
- Read the full Alert: Health alert on meningococcal disease.
