Young adult dies of meningococcal disease in Waikato

<p>People are being urged to get vaccinated against meningococcal disease following a death in Waikato.</p> <p>Meningococcal disease can cause an infection around the brain and blood poisoning.</p> <p>Health NZ Waikato medical officer of health Dr Kate Meerkerk said it was more common in children, teenagers and young adults.</p> <p>She confirmed the latest death was a young adult in the region.</p> <p>"Our thoughts are with the person's whānau and loved ones during this difficult time."</p> <p>She said the meningococcal B vaccine was free for babies and children under five years old.</p> <p>It was also free for those between the age of 13 and 25 in their first year of certain close-living situations - such as boarding school hostels, halls of residence, military barracks, youth justice facilities and prisons.</p> <p>"It is important that people know the symptoms and seek medical attention early if they are concerned," said Dr Meerkerk.</p> <p>Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and confusion. The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may seem like the flu or a cold, but the symptoms will usually get worse quickly, with some people suddenly becoming very unwell, sometimes in just a few hours.</p> <p><b></b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/1012149/young-adult-dies-of-meningococcal-disease-in-waikato" target="_blank"><b>rnz.co.nz</b></a></p>