Health warning as WA child recovers in hospital from meningococcal serogroup B disease

A WA child is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with a rare and potentially deadly infection. WA Health confirmed the child has meningococcal serogroup B disease, the fifth case of invasive meningococcal disease recorded in the State this year. Four of the 2026 cases have been caused by serogroup B and one by serogroup Y. Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious bacterial infection that can invade the bloodstream or affect the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can also infect other parts of the body including the throat, lungs and joints. The disease can deteriorate rapidly and, despite being treatable with antibiotics, can be fatal. WA recorded 13 cases of meningococcal disease in 2025, including 12 caused by serogroup B and one by serogroup Y. Health authorities are urging people to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with meningococcal disease.