Fortunately, vaccines are available to help protect against common strains that cause
this life-threatening disease.
Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterial infection of the blood and/or membranes that line the spinal
cord and brain.
It can progress rapidly, beginning with symptoms such as fever and irritability that are easily mistaken for a
common cold.
The distinctive meningococcal rash is an advanced symptom of blood infection, which may or may not occur.
Most children survive meningococcal disease, but if it is not diagnosed and treated quickly it can lead to serious
long-term disability or death within 24 hours.
“In a few short hours, Arthur was fighting for his life.”
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 children (under five) are most at risk, followed by adolescents, with the highest incidence
of meningococcal disease in babies 0-1 year of age.
“Seeing Ashley in ICU was devastating. It was terrible.”
The number of cases of meningococcal disease reported in Australia
has increased in recent years.3,4
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 2017.
Babies under 1 are most at risk.3
In adolescents, the most common
strain was B, followed by W
in 2017.3
No single vaccine can protect against all strains of meningococcal disease, but different vaccines are available to protect against the most common ones
(A, B, C, W and Y).
Speak to your doctor for more information on meningococcal disease and vaccination options.
“If we knew Jenna was still at risk, we would have done something.”
Speak to your doctor for more
information on meningococcal disease
and vaccination options.
Encourage your friends and family to learn the facts about
meningococcal disease!
Dr Starr’s advice :
What parents need to know.
Speak to your doctor for more
information on meningococcal disease
and vaccination options.
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