FANS attending on the Spilt Milk music competition in Canberra final weekend have been warned to be alert for signs of meningococcal illness.

Dr Kerryn Coleman. Picture: Holly Treadaway

ACT Well being immediately (December 3) experiences there may be one concertgoer with meningococcal illness in Canberra Hospital. Any shut contacts of the person, who’re at larger threat, are being recognized and contacted straight.

Chief well being officer Dr Kerryn Coleman mentioned that though meningococcal illness is rare, it may be extreme and result in life-long problems or loss of life.

 ‘We’re urging individuals who attended the Spilt Milk competition at Exhibition Park in Canberra on the weekend to pay attention to the signs of meningococcal illness. One of many extra well-known signs is a rash however this is probably not current in any respect, or might come very late within the sickness’,” she mentioned.

‘Folks can carry meningococcal micro organism of their throats and never have signs, however move it on to shut contacts. If you happen to suspect signs of meningococcal illness, please search medical assessment instantly. 

“Whereas meningococcal illness is now unusual due to vaccination, kids underneath 5 and other people between the ages of 15 to 25 are on the biggest threat of contracting the illness.”

ACT Well being mentioned signs of meningococcal illness are non-specific however embrace:

  • sudden onset of fever
  • headache
  • neck stiffness
  • joint ache
  • a rash of red-purple spots or bruises
  • dislike of vibrant lights
  • nausea and vomiting.

 Younger kids might have much less particular signs, these might embrace:

  • irritability
  • issue waking
  • high-pitched crying
  • refusal to eat.

 Not the entire signs could also be current directly.

 

Who will be trusted?

In a world of spin and confusion, there’s by no means been a extra necessary time to help unbiased journalism in Canberra.

If you happen to belief our work on-line and wish to implement the ability of unbiased voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.

Each greenback of help is invested again into our journalism to assist hold citynews.com.au sturdy and free.

Turn out to be a supporter

Thanks,

Ian Meikle, editor