Meningococcal threat brings new push for vaccinations

Last Saturday, a young woman was taken to Warwick Hospital after falling ill. Her name was Jazmyn Carter, she was 18, and her symptoms were suspicious of a meningococcal case according to Public Health Officials.

She was treated over the weekend but die on Monday morning as the Sunshine Coast Daily revealed. The Warwick community’s concerns were eased off when Darling Downs Public Health Unit director Dr Penny Hutchinson declared that "It is very difficult to catch meningococcal…It often requires both close contact and prolonged contact with someone who may have the bacteria in their throat.”

Nevertheless, the presumed meningococcal case took place a month after the Sunshine Coast Daily published an article about the necessity of vaccination, especially amongst toddlers and people in their early to mid-20s, as they are the two most at risk groups.

The article had also indicated that rates of the bacterial infection peaking in the cooler winter months and it is spread by prolonged close contact, such as sneezing, coughing or kissing.

Despite the threat, experts agree that early diagnosis and treatment generally results in recovery.

By Janeth Taborda

Source: Sunshine Coast Daily