Page reviewed November 2018.
Why might you get the disease even though you are vaccinated against it?
“Splendour in the Grass festival patrons and those who have had contact with them are being urged to monitor for symptoms of meningococcal disease after a child became the third reveller to contract the potentially deadly illness.”
Child who attended Splendour in the Grass is third meningococcal case
www.smh.com.au
So far this year there have been 17 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW.
Timeline photosCan I still breastfeed if I have COVID-19 or flu? Yes. ![]()
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The benefits of breastfeeding your baby outweigh any potential risk of transmission of COVID-19 or flu through breastmilk.![]()
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It is important that you have plenty of fluids and rest. Some women have noticed that their milk supply may reduce when they are feeling unwell. ![]()
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If you are too unwell to breastfeed, try to express milk. Consider whether someone who is well can feed it to your baby. ![]()
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If you are too ill to breastfeed or express, you may wish to re-establish breastfeeding once you are well enough. ![]()
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You are not alone, there is support available to help you. ![]()
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Click the link for information and a free, 24hr helpline service: www.health.nsw.gov.au/breastfeeding![]()
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#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #WBW2022
Know the symptoms and act fast.Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal illness. ![]()
Children under 5 are most at risk. ![]()
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Knowing the symptoms could help save your child’s life. Meningococcal symptoms include:![]()
- Severe limb pain ![]()
- Difficulty waking up![]()
- High pitched crying in babies![]()
- Severe headache![]()
- Upset by bright lights![]()
- Stiff neck![]()
- Red-purple rash which doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass ![]()
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Find out more: www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/meningococcal
NSW Health has been notified of two cases of meningococcal disease in people who attended the 2022 Splendour in the Grass festival. ![]()
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Although the disease is uncommon, it can be severe, so we are urging people who attended the event in the North Byron Parklands on 21 – 24 July to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear. ![]()
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Sadly, as reported earlier today, one of these cases was a man in his 40s from Sydney who died with the disease. NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to his loved ones. ![]()
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If you suspect symptoms of meningococcal disease, please contact a doctor immediately. ![]()
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• Symptoms of meningococcal disease are non-specific but include: ![]()
o sudden onset of fever ![]()
o headache ![]()
o neck stiffness ![]()
o joint pain ![]()
o a rash of red-purple spots or bruises ![]()
o dislike of bright lights ![]()
o nausea and vomiting. ![]()
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• Young children may have less specific symptoms, these may include: ![]()
o irritability ![]()
o difficulty waking ![]()
o high-pitched crying ![]()
o refusal to eat. ![]()
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• Not all of the symptoms may be present at once. ![]()
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So far this year, there have been 15 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW. ![]()
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While meningococcal disease is now uncommon thanks to vaccination, it can occur year round. We tend to see increases in late winter and early spring, with children under five and 15 to 25-year-olds at the greatest risk of contracting the disease. ![]()
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Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and community from the harmful effects of meningococcal disease.![]()
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Under the National Immunisation Program, meningococcal ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccine is provided free for babies at 12 months, adolescents, and people of all ages with certain medical conditions. In NSW, the adolescent dose is delivered through the school vaccination program in Year 10. ![]()
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As of 1 July 2020, Aboriginal children up to the age of two years, and people with certain medical conditions, can also access free meningococcal B (Men B) vaccine. All children from six weeks of age can have the Men B vaccine to reduce the risk of infection. ![]()
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For more information on vaccination or symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment of Meningococcal, see the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/meningococcal_disease.aspx![]()
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If you require further information, please contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.