Meningococcal Outbreak

There has been an outbreak of meningococcal bacteria in Northland. Meningococcal disease can cause serious illness of the brain called meningitis and illness of the blood called septicemia.

Meningococcal bacteria can pass from one person to another through:

• Coughing or sneezing
  
• Sharing eating or drinking utensils such as water bottles, toothbrushes or pacifiers

Signs of meningitis can develop suddenly and can include:

• A high fever
• Headache
  
• Sleepiness
  
• Joint and muscle pains
  
• A stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• A rash consisting of reddish – purple pin-prick spots or bruises

If you or your child are showing any signs of meningitis please contact your doctor straight away or dial 111. You can also call Healthline free on 0800 611 116.