Speak to your doctor for more information on meningococcal disease and how you can help protect your family
“I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A CASE OF THE FLU”
KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of meningococcal disease can be difficult to recognise and can easily be mistaken for a common cold or virus.
Common symptoms of meningococcal disease amongst babies and young children may include:
Meningococcal disease can be deadly or have long-term consequences
While meningococcal disease is rare, it is potentially life threatening. Up to one in ten of those infected may die, and around one in five may suffer serious long-term disabilities including brain damage, deafness or loss of limbs.1,2
Up to 1 in 10 may die.1,2
Up to 1 in 5 may have permanent disability.1,2
“RILEY LOST HIS HANDS AND LEGS, BUT HE’S STILL MY LITTLE BOY”
BABIES and young children are most at risk of meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease can strike at any age. Babies (less than one year of age) and children (under 5 years of age) are most at risk, followed by adolescents
(15–19 years of age).
The number of cases of meningococcal disease reported in Australia has increased in recent years3,4
There are multiple strains of meningococcal disease. The most common strains globally are A, B, C, W, X and Y. Currently in Australia, strains B, W and Y cause the majority of disease.3,4
In children under 5, the most common strains were B and W in 2018. Babies under 1 are most at risk. 3,4
In adolescents, the most common strain was B, followed by W and Y, in 2018.3
“Seeing Ashley in ICU was devastating. It was terrible”
Speak to your doctor for more information on meningococcal disease and how you can help protect your family
DOCTOR’S ADVICE TO PARENTS
Dr Starr’s advice: What parents need to know
Speak to your doctor for more information on meningococcal disease and how you can help protect your family
References: