Tests confirm meningicoccal strain in teen death
updated 15:58
Published: 7:07AM Monday August 29, 2011 Source: ONE News
Medical tests have confirmed a teenager in Northland died fromMeningococcal C at the weekend.
The 18-year-old man died in the Whangarei DistrictHospital’s intensive care unit on Saturday, four days after beingadmitted.
He was the fourth meningococcal case in the region this monthand the second death. There have been six reported cases in theregion this year.
A 45-year-old woman remains in a stable condition in intensivecare while tests are carried out to determine which strain ofmeningococcal she has been infected with.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Loek Henneveld stated there was noneed for people to panic.
“The number of Northland cases is within the normal perimetersfor this time of year,” he said.
“The public health unit is continuing to work with other healthproviders to identify potential links.”
A 14-month-old Ruakaka boy died last week in Auckland’s StarshipHospital, a day after his great-grandmother from the Franklindistrict died from the same illness.
The chief executive of Fulton Hogan, Bill Perry, died inChristchurch after contracting meningococcal C in July.
Northland District Health Board medical officer Dr Clair Millssaid she was aware there was “understandable anxiety” in localcommunities.
“When considering the number of Northland cases and other casesacross New Zealand, Northland is seeing a small increase in thisdisease compared to other years,” she said.
“But meningococcal disease is also more common at this time ofyear, and these cases appear to be isolated.”
Meningococcal disease can occur at any age, but is most commonin kids under the age of five years.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease in babies and young childrenmay include fever, irritability, sleepiness, floppiness, hard towake, refusing drink or food, vomiting and a rash.
Adults can have similar symptoms and may also have a stiff neck,headache and sensitivity to lights.
Prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent death or permanentdisability such as damage to the brain or deafness.
Copyright © 2011, Television New Zealand Limited. Breaking and Daily News, Sport & Weather | TV ONE, TV2 | Ondemand
More source:
Tests confirm meningicoccal strain in teen death | NATIONAL NewsThird meningococcal death in Northland | NATIONAL News
Meningococcal C Killed Joshua Hinaki | Stuff.co.nz
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