Meningococcal cases are increasing in Australia as we travel and become more mobile after COVID lockdowns.

Data from National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System reveals the total number of cases to the end of September was 86 cases, compared with 74 last year. While most people survive, if it is not quickly treated it can cause serious disability within 24 hours. And babies and adolescents are most vulnerable to the disease.

The rising numbers have prompted medical experts, patient advocacy groups and high-profile Australians to partner with science-led global healthcare company GSK Australia to help raise community awareness about the disease.

This educational initiative is focused on the signs, symptoms and risk factors of this rare, but potentially devastating disease. It encourages people to speak to their healthcare professional for more information about meningococcal disease, 

Infectious diseases paediatrician, Professor Robert Booy, says it is critical for families to know signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and that an awareness campaign like this is being rolled out at a perfect time.

“Given we are experiencing an increased level of population movements, I encourage everyone, especially parents of young children, to be talking to their doctor about invasive meningococcal disease. It can strike anyone, and we already see an increase in meningococcal disease cases locally and in other countries, like UK, where the number of cases are nearing pre-pandemic levels,” Professor Booy said.

“Time is of the essence when it comes to minimising the potentially lethal consequences. We can reduce its impact by educating people about the signs and symptoms to look out for. Confusing the symptoms with a common cold for example, can put the life of loved ones at risk.”

Campaign ambassador author Felicity Harley (pictured with husband Tom and family) has her own family experience of meningococcal when her son Hugo contracted the disease when only five weeks old.

“I still vividly remember driving my listless and incredibly ill baby to the hospital and not knowing if he would live. Acting quickly on the first symptoms may have saved his life,” Ms Harley said.

“I cannot imagine where Hugo and our whole family would be now if those signs were missed. I urge all parents to keep meningococcal disease signs and symptoms front of mind.”

About Invasive Meningococcal Disease 

IMD is a rare bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.² There are 13 known serogroups (strains) that can cause the disease. The most common serogroups globally are A, B, C, W, and Y. In Australia, strains B, W and Y cause the majority of the meningococcal disease cases.

While most will survive and recover, this rare but devastating infection can progress rapidly and lead to serious disability (up to 1 in 5 who survive the disease may suffer long-term complications, including brain damage, deafness or loss of limb) or death (up to in 1 in 10 infected may die) within 24 hours.

While meningococcal disease can occur at any age, infants and young children (< 2 years of age), followed by adolescents between 15-19 years of age, are most at risk.

Early symptoms of meningococcal disease, such as high fever and lethargy, may be difficult to recognise and can easily be mistaken for a common cold. Other symptoms of meningococcal disease amongst babies, young children and adolescents may include vomiting, pale blotchy skin, cold hands and feet, and sensitivity to light. Babies may also have a high-pitched moaning cry and/or a bulging fontanelle. The distinctive purple meningococcal rash is an advanced symptoms of blood infection, which may or may not occur.