June 16, 2022
PLEASE NOTE: TO RESPECT PATIENT PRIVACY, NO MORE IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED, INCLUDING AGE, GENE AND LOCATION.
The Department of Health reported today that a child has been diagnosed with serogroup B meningococcal disease and is currently recovering in hospital.
Meningococcal disease is a rare and life-threatening disease caused by a bacterial infection of the blood and / or membranes lining the spinal cord and brain, and occasionally other places such as the throat, lungs. or large joints.
So far in 2022, ten cases of meningococcus have been reported in WA; six were serogroup B, two were serogroup W and two were serogroup Y.
There are two types of meningococcal vaccines available: one protects against four serogroups of meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W and Y) and the other protects against serogroup B.
The MenACWY vaccine is available free of charge to all children under 12 months of age. In addition, the MenACWY vaccine is offered to all 10th graders, with a free recovery program for 15- to 19-year-olds.
Due to a higher rate of meningococcal disease in Aboriginal children in WA, the MenACWY vaccine is offered free of charge to Aboriginal children from 6 weeks to 12 months of age. The menB vaccine is free for all Aboriginal children up to 2 years old. Both vaccines are also free for people of all ages with certain medical risk conditions. People who do not meet the requirements for free vaccinations can apply for them through their immunization provider for a fee.
Meningococcal bacteria are not easily transmitted from person to person. The bacterium is present in the drops that are discharged from the nose and throat when coughing or sneezing, but is not transmitted through saliva and does not survive for more than a few seconds in the environment.
Meningococcal bacteria are carried harmlessly to the back of the nose and throat by 10-20% of the population at any one time. Rarely, bacteria invade the bloodstream or tissues and cause serious infections.