A child is in hospital after being diagnosed with life-threatening meningococcal disease, WA authorities have confirmed. The Department of Health said the child was diagnosed with the serogroup B strain, one of 13 known meningococcal disease serogroups, and is currently recovering. The case of meningococcal disease is WA’s fifth this year. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the blood or membranes that line the spinal cord, brain, throat, lungs and the body’s larger joints.
A pale or blotchy complexion, vomiting, lethargy, poor feeding and rash are important signs in children who may have the condition. “Sometimes – but not always – symptoms may be accompanied by the appearance of a spotty red-purple rash that looks like small bleeding points beneath the skin or bruises,” a Department of Health statement read. Meningococcal disease is treatable with antibiotics but cases can deteriorate rapidly so urgent medical attention is advised as soon as symptoms are noticed.