NSW urged to stay alert for meningococcal symptoms

NSW Health is urging the community to be on alert for symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear after the notification of recent cases.Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious and sometimes fatal infection.

Meningococcal disease can cause lifelong damage – organ failure, disability, death.

15–25-year-olds are at higher risk.

Know the symptoms and see a doctor urgently.

Meningococcal symptoms include:

• sudden fever
• nausea and vomiting
• severe limb pain
• severe headache
• difficulty waking up
• stiff neck
• upset by bright lights
• high pitched crying in babies
• red-purple rash which doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass