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 Student treated for meningococcal disease 

Student treated for meningococcal disease

05 Feb, 2010 03:47 PM
Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) has confirmed that a 10 year-old student from Queanbeyan South Public School is being treated in The Randwick Children's Hospital for meningococcal disease.

A spokesperson for GSAHS said an information sheet was sent to parents today outlining the symptoms of the disease, however the risk of other children at the school having the disease is very low.

GSAHS Director Public Health Unit Tracey Oakman said symptoms of meningococcal disease may include a sudden onset of fever, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting and a rash of red or purple spots.

"Typically we see a trend in meningococcal disease that peaks in the winter and spring months. Early identification and treatment of the disease is vital," she said.

"It is important to remind the community, particularly parents, to remain alert to the symptoms of this disease."

Early detection and treatment of the disease can result in a patient's full recovery. In most cases the infection is effectively treated with antibiotics.

"Meningococcal C and B strains are the most prevalent varieties. Vaccination is available for meningococcal C however there is currently no vaccine for the B strain of the disease only," Ms Oakman said.

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