A child is in a stable condition at a Hunter hospital after contracting meningococcal disease.
It’s the fourth case in the Hunter New England health region this year.
Close contacts of the patient have been prescribed clearance antibiotics, and authorities say there is no link to previous cases.
Public health physician Doctor Craig Dalton says if people suspect they have meningococcal disease, they should seek medical attention immediately.
“Meningococcal disease may be very severe and the community needs to be on the alert for its symptoms, particularly as we move into winter.
“The meningococcal C vaccine is recommended for all babies at 12 months of age. Vaccines provide the best protection if they are completed on time so please visit your GP or child and
family health nurse if your child is due to be vaccinated,” he said.
The first symptoms may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour, with a high fever, headache and neck stiffness developing later.
