People are being urged to get vaccinated against meningococcal disease following a death in Waikato.<\/p>\n
Meningococcal disease can cause an infection around the brain and blood poisoning.<\/p>\n
Health NZ Waikato medical officer of health Dr Kate Meerkerk said it was more common in children, teenagers and young adults.<\/p>\n
She confirmed the latest death was a young adult in the region.<\/p>\n
“Our thoughts are with the person’s wh\u0101nau and loved ones during this difficult time.”<\/p>\n
She said the meningococcal B vaccine was free for babies and children under five years old.<\/p>\n
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>\n
“It is important that people know the symptoms and seek medical attention early if they are concerned,” said Dr Meerkerk.<\/p>\n
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>\n