Adelaide Young Adult Battles Meningococcal B Infection as Cases Rise

A young adult in metropolitan Adelaide is fighting for life on life support in hospital after contracting invasive meningococcal B disease on Saturday, October 31.

Health authorities identified seven close contacts of the patient who received clearance antibiotics to prevent further transmission of the bacteria.

South Australia has recorded 22 meningococcal cases so far this year, marking a significant increase from the 13 cases reported by the same time last year.

Nine.com.au reported that the state recorded 15 cases by this point last year, differing from the figures provided by other outlets.

Health Minister Blair Boyer said, "I think at the moment we have roughly 50 per cent of eligible people in our state who are actually vaccinated and covered for meningococcal B."

Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said, "The kids most at risk are the young children."

Professor Spurrier said SA Health performed contact tracing quickly and determined that the wider population faces a low risk from the infected person.

Professor Spurrier also explained that the clearance antibiotics reduce the carriage of bacteria in the nose and throat to stop transmission.

Of the 22 cases recorded this year in South Australia, 20 are meningococcal B, one is meningococcal Y, and one is non-serogroupable.

No deaths from the disease have been recorded in South Australia this year, according to state health authorities.

The infection can progress rapidly and become fatal within 24 hours without immediate medical intervention.

Common symptoms include headaches, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, discomfort when looking at bright lights, confusion, shock, and a distinctive skin rash.

Free meningococcal B vaccinations are available in South Australia for infants and Year 10 students.

Health officials continue to monitor case numbers while urging the public to remain alert to warning signs.