Urgent warning issued after two women struck by meningococcal in Adelaide
Health authorities have issued an urgent warning after two women contracted a highly contagious disease.
In South Australia, a 29-year-old and a 55-year-old were hospitalized after being diagnosed with invasive meningococcal disease, defined as serotype B.
Meningococcus is a serious infection caused by bacteria carried in the nose and throat, with serotype B accounting for the majority of cases worldwide.
The two women were both from the same household in Adelaide city centre.
SA Health warned that multiple people had been in contact with the infectious couple and nine people were instructed to take antibiotics to prevent further transmission.
SA has recorded 12 meningococcal cases this year; The state recorded a total of 30 cases in 2024.
“Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease include headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and discomfort when looking at lights,” SA Health said in a statement.
“A skin rash may occur with small red or purple spots that spread in a short time and grow larger, resembling fresh bruises.
“Also, young children may be cranky, difficult to wake up, and refuse to eat. They may have pain in their legs, cold hands and feet, and high-pitched or whiny cries.”
All Australians are asked to keep their meningococcal vaccinations up to date to prevent transmission.
