Latest news with #Neisseriameningitidis
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New cases of meningococcal disease have been detected. What are the symptoms? And who can get vaccinated?
Sydney: Two Tasmanian women have been hospitalised with invasive meningococcal disease , bringing the number of cases nationally so far this year to 48. Health authorities are urging people to watch for symptoms and to check if they're eligible for vaccination. Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Invasive means the infection spreads rapidly through the blood and into your organs. Early emergency medical care is important for survival and to reduce the chance of long-term complications. Even in those who survive, up to 30 per cent suffer permanent cognitive, physical or psychological disabilities. Thankfully, vaccines are available to protect against it. How do you catch it? Around one in ten people carry the meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throats. The bacteria does not easily pass from person to person by breathing the same air or sharing drinks or food - and the bacteria do not survive well outside the human body. It is spread through close and prolonged contact of oral and respiratory secretions, such as saliva, from others who live in your household or through deep, intimate kissing. There is no way to know if you carry the bacteria, as carriers don't have symptoms. Who is most at risk? Meningococcal disease can affect anyone. But infants under one, adolescents and young adults aged 15-25 years, and people without a spleen or who are immunosuppressed are at a higher risk of developing invasive disease. Meningococcal disease notifications by age and sex Although sensitive to common antibiotics such as penicillin, the meningococcal bacteria can cause severe infection and death in a matter of hours. The difficulty in picking up meningococcal disease early is that, early on, it can mimic common viral illnesses that people would recover from without any treatment. Most people experience a sudden onset of fever, difficulty looking at light and/or a rash. The rash is non-blanching, meaning it doesn't fade when you apply pressure to it. But early in the illness, it can start out as a blanching rash that fades with pressure. Young infants may also become irritable, have difficulty waking up, or refuse to feed. The bacteria usually causes a meningitis - inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord - or a bloodstream infection, called septicemia or sepsis. But sometimes it can cause an infection of the bone, lungs (pneumonia) or eyes (conjunctivitis). Protection against different strains There are 13 types of meningococcal bacteria that cause invasive disease, but types A, B, C, W and Y cause the most illness. The rapid disease progression occurs because the bacteria has a sugar capsule which allows it to evade the immune system. But each of the 13 types has its own unique capsule. So immunity to one strain does not offer immunity to other strains. Currently, two types of vaccines are available: a vaccine that protects against meningococcal A, C, W and Y (MenACWY); and another vaccine that protects against meningococcal B. The vaccines are manufactured differently and therefore have different mechanisms of protection. The MenACWY vaccine uses parts of the sugar capsule within each of the bacteria and joins them to a protein. This is called a "conjugate vaccine" and allows for a better immune response, especially in young infants. The MenB vaccine does not contain the sugar capsule but includes four other proteins from the surface of the meningococcal B bacteria. Both vaccines are registered for all people aged six months and older, and are safe for immunocompromised people. MenACWY vaccine The MenACWY vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program, and given for free, to all infants aged 12 months. There is also a free catch-up program for teens in Year 10. The MenACWY vaccine protects against disease and also decreases the bacteria load in the throat, reducing the likelihood of transmission to others. MenB vaccine The MenB vaccine recommended for all infants aged six weeks or more. But it's only available for free to infants in South Australia and Queensland, through state-based programs, and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants nationally, via the National Immunisation Program. Parents of non-Indigenous infants in other states will pay around USD 220-270 for two doses of the MenB vaccine. The MenB vaccine is highly protective against invasive disease for the person who receives the vaccine. But it does not eradicate the bacteria from the throat, nor does it decrease spread of the bacteria to others. Reducing meningococcal disease Other people who are at high risk of meningococcal exposure are also recommended for vaccination: people without a functional spleen, those with certain immunocompromising conditions, certain travellers and some lab workers. Since the rollout of the conjugate MenC vaccine in 2001 and the MenACWY in 2018, rates of invasive meningococcal disease have dropped dramatically, from 684 cases in 2002, to 136 cases in 2024. The most common strain to cause disease is now meningococcal B. Meningococcal notifications by jurisdiction Another reason for adults to get vaccinated The MenB vaccine has also been shown to lower rates of another bacterial infection, gonorrhoea, by 33-47 per cent. This is because the gonococcal bacteria is closely related and shares similar surface protein structures to meningococcal bacteria. In Australia, rates of gonorrhea have doubled over the past ten years , with higher rates among young Aboriginal and Torres Islander people. The Northern Territory began offering the vaccine to people aged 14 to 19 last year as part of a research trial. Further research is underway in Australia to better understand the meningococcal bacteria, its capability to evade the immune system and the cross protection against gonorrhoea. (The Conversation)
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Teen boy from rare bacterial infection days after falling ill
William Hand, 14, was an energetic, well-loved student. A young teenager, aged 14, tragically passed away following a sudden bout with a rare bacterial infection, prompting urgent advisories from health chiefs on the illness's alarming speed and severity. William Hand of South Carolina, who was a popular and energetic pupil having recently completed his final year at Hughes Academy of Science and Technology, suffered a rapid decline in health. Just days after falling ill, the vibrant boy's condition worsened rapidly. On the morning of 8 June, William awoke feeling unwell and within hours had tragically died. His father, Will Hand, penned a touching tribute: "Everything snowballed and God called him home. This is how I will always choose to remember Will. Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son." Medics later ascertained that William had succumbed to meningococcemia, a swift-moving and severe bloodstream infection initiated by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. The disease takes hold with alarming rapidity, and health professionals highlight its pernicious nature. "The infection happens so quickly, and once it starts going, sometimes it is very hard to save the person who is infected with the bacteria," shared Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch in an interview with Fox Carolina, reports the Mirror. This infrequent but serious contagion disseminates through respiratory droplets or saliva and can be transmitted by sharing personal items like drinks or eating utensils. Sudden fever, pounding headache, vomiting, light sensitivity, and a particular rash that doesn't disappear under pressure are the early warning signs. Burch described, "We call it a petechial rash because it looks like broken blood vessels underneath the skin," adding, "It's not a typical rash that you would get with, let's say, a viral infection. If you put your finger on it and press down really hard, the rash will stay there." Over the last 18 months, the Department of Public Health has logged 12 cases of meningococcal disease within the state, sadly four have been fatal. Even so, health officials maintain that these isolated cases do not mark an outbreak. "DPH investigates all reported cases of Neisseria meningitidis, looking for possible links. In regards to the 12 cases spread across the state within 18 months, no links were found and this does not fit the definition of an outbreak," explained a DHEC spokesperson. The Centers for Disease Control underline vaccination as the paramount form of defence. William is fondly recalled as someone who infused every moment with laughter and brightness. His obituary read that he was "the highlight of many people's day-equal parts athlete, comedian, music lover, and loyal friend." further stating: "His loss leaves a void that can never be filled, but his joyful spirit, quick smile, and magnetic energy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, even briefly." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Those close to him said: "Will was known for his infectious smile, playful banter amongst friends, and unmatched gift for turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories. Whether it was walking to CVS or Moe's with his friends, or re-enacting WWE wrestling, he brought joy everywhere he went. "His teammates, coaches, and friends knew him as the life of party-always ready with a story, usually a little embellished for effect, and always delivered with a grin." His baseball team, Greenville Little League, honoured him as "more than just a great competitor-he was a loyal friend, devoted son and brother, and a true teammate in every sense. His spirit, smile, and love for the game touched so many of us, and he will be deeply missed."
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Boy, 14, dies days after catching rare infection as major warning issued
William Hand, 14, woke up unwell, and within hours, died from a rare bacterial infection that has sparked health officials to sound the alarm over its swift and severe symptoms A vibrant 14-year-old boy has died just days after falling ill with a rare bacterial infection - triggering a renewed warning from medical professionals about the illness's speed and severity. William Hand, from South Carolina, was an energetic, well-loved student who had just graduated from eighth grade at Hughes Academy of Science and Technology. But days later, the teenager's health deteriorated suddenly. On the morning of June 8, William woke up unwell, and within hours, he was gone. His father, Will Hand, wrote in a heartfelt post: "Everything snowballed and God called him home. This is how I will always choose to remember Will. Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son." Doctors later confirmed that William had contracted meningococcemia - a rare but aggressive bloodstream infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Once the infection sets in, it can overwhelm the body in a matter of hours. "The infection happens so quickly, and once it starts going, sometimes it is very hard to save the person who is infected with the bacteria," Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch told Fox Carolina. The disease, though uncommon, spreads through respiratory droplets or saliva, often passed by sharing items like drinks or utensils. Early warning signs include a sudden fever, pounding headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and a rash that doesn't fade when pressed. "We call it a petechial rash because it looks like broken blood vessels underneath the skin," said Burch. "It's not a typical rash that you would get with, let's say, a viral infection. If you put your finger on it and press down really hard, the rash will stay there." The Department of Public Health has recorded 12 cases of meningococcal disease in the state over the past year and a half, with four proving fatal. Still, health officials say the scattered cases do not suggest an outbreak. "DPH investigates all reported cases of Neisseria meningitidis, looking for possible links. In regards to the 12 cases spread across the state within 18 months, no links were found and this does not fit the definition of an outbreak," a DHEC spokesperson stated. Vaccination remains the best form of protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control. William is being remembered as someone who brought laughter and light to every moment. His obituary described him as "the highlight of many people's day-equal parts athlete, comedian, music lover, and loyal friend." It continued: "His loss leaves a void that can never be filled, but his joyful spirit, quick smile, and magnetic energy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, even briefly. "Will was known for his infectious smile, playful banter amongst friends, and unmatched gift for turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories. Whether it was walking to CVS or Moe's with his friends, or re-enacting WWE wrestling, he brought joy everywhere he went." "His teammates, coaches, and friends knew him as the life of party-always ready with a story, usually a little embellished for effect, and always delivered with a grin." His baseball team, Greenville Little League, honoured him as "more than just a great competitor—he was a loyal friend, devoted son and brother, and a true teammate in every sense. His spirit, smile, and love for the game touched so many of us, and he will be deeply missed."
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Boy, 14, with ‘infectious smile' dies just days after catching fast-moving illness – as doctors issue stark warning
Will's dad said his condition 'snowballed' - which is typical of the bug he caught 'DEEPLY MISSED' Boy, 14, with 'infectious smile' dies just days after catching fast-moving illness – as doctors issue stark warning Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TEEN boy suddenly died after waking up with symptoms of fast-moving illness. William Hand, who was only 14 years old, was 'known for his infectious smile' and 'playful banter', an obituary said. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 William Hand died on June 8, only 14 years old. His dad wrote: "This is how I will always choose to remember Will. Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son." Credit: Post & Courier Obituaries 5 His family, including parents William and Megan Hand and siblings Emi Reese, 15, Logan, 12 and Rediger, eight, said he had a "big smile" Credit: Facebook His dad, also called Will Hand, wrote on Facebook: 'Today he woke us up before 5am clearly not well. Everything snowballed and God called him home.' William, of Greenville, South Carolina, died on June 8 from what was described as an "overwhelming bacteria infection', meningococcemia. Meningococcemia is rare but life-threatening. The bacteria that causes it, Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), destroys blood vessels when it gets into the blood stream. 'This keeps blood from getting to your organs and tissues, which causes symptoms like cold hands and feet, severe muscle pain and pale or discolored skin,' according to the Mayo Clinic. Serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria is called invasive meningococcal disease. It can lead to meningitis, which is the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, sepsis, or both (meningococcal septicemia). Will, a keen basketball player, had meningococcal septicemia, his mum Megan told Fox Carolina. His symptoms were not described. But they include a fever, vomiting, headache and a rash that may be red or purple. 'We call it a petechial rash because it looks like broken blood vessels underneath the skin,' said Dr Anna-Kathryn Burch. 'MOST TRAUMATIC DAY OF MY LIFE' My son, 18, wrote his illness off as a hangover - hours later he was dead 'It's not a typically rash that you would get with let's say, a viral infection. If you put your finger on it and press down really hard, the rash will stay there.' Around one in 10 people have N. meningitidis at the back of their throat without having symptoms or being unwell. Carriers can pass it on to others by close contact, such as sneezing, coughing or kissing. According to Meningitis Research: 'Only a small fraction of people who are exposed to meningococcal bacteria become ill with meningococcal disease.' It most often strikes children and young people. Vaccinations can protect against some types of meningitis, with viral meningitis being the most common form and bacterial meningitis the rarer. Dr Burch warned of speed at which the disease can take hold in someone's body. 'The infection happens so quickly, and once it starts going, sometimes it is very hard to save the person who is infected with the bacteria," she said. William - who has three siblings - Emi Reese, 15, Logan, 12 and Rediger, eight - will be remembered by his family as having 'flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire'. 5 William was a keen sportsplayer Credit: Facebook 5 He was described as the "life of the party" Credit: Facebook Know the signs of meningitis and septicaemia Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord – the meninges. Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same germs as meningitis and is life-threatening. It can occur with or without meningitis. Both meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours, so it is critical to know the symptoms so you can act fast. Symptoms can appear in any order and not all of them show. For example, the meningitis rash does not always appear. It can be hard to tell meningitis/septicaemia apart from other common bugs. The symptoms marked with a * indicate those that are more specific to meningitis/septicaemia and are rarer with common bugs. Symptoms of both septicaemia and meningitis Fever and/or vomiting Very sleepy, vacant or difficult to wake Confused/delirious* A rash, which can be anywhere on the body* Additional symptoms of meningitis Severe headache Seizures Dislike of bright lights Stiff neck* Additional symptoms of septicaemia Breathing fast/breathlessness Pale or mottled skin Limb/muscle/joint pain, which may come with stomach pain or diarrhoea * Cold hands, feet or shivering* Source: Meningitis Research Foundation His obituary read: 'His loss leaves a void that can never be filled, but his joyful spirit, quick smile, and magnetic energy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, even briefly. 'Will was a highlight of many people's day-equal parts athlete, comedian, music lover, and loyal friend. 'His teammates, coaches, and friends knew him as the life of party-always ready with a story, usually a little embellished for effect, and always delivered with a grin. 'Will was recognized as an 'All A's' student, a testament to his intelligence, curiosity, and occasional bursts of focus between jokes. 'Beyond the classroom and court, Will was known for his infectious smile, playful banter amongst friends, and unmatched gift for turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories.'
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Boy, 14, with ‘infectious smile' dies just days after catching fast-moving illness – as doctors issue stark warning
A TEEN boy suddenly died after waking up with symptoms of fast-moving illness. William Hand, who was only 14 years old, was 'known for his infectious smile' and 'playful banter', an obituary said. Advertisement 5 William Hand died on June 8, only 14 years old. His dad wrote: "This is how I will always choose to remember Will. Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son." Credit: Post & Courier Obituaries 5 His family, including parents William and Megan Hand and siblings Emi Reese, 15, Logan, 12 and Rediger, eight, said he had a "big smile" Credit: Facebook His dad, also called Will Hand, wrote on Facebook: 'Today he woke us up before 5am clearly not well. Everything snowballed and God called him home.' William, of Greenville, Meningococcemia is rare but life-threatening. The bacteria that causes it, Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), destroys blood vessels when it gets into the blood stream. Advertisement Read more real life 'This keeps blood from getting to your organs and tissues, which causes symptoms like cold hands and feet, severe muscle pain and pale or discolored skin,' according to the Mayo Clinic. Serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria is called invasive meningococcal disease. It can lead to meningitis, which is the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, Will, a keen basketball player, had meningococcal septicemia, his mum Megan told Advertisement Most read in Health His symptoms were not described. But they include a fever, vomiting, headache and a rash that may be red or purple. 'We call it a petechial rash because it looks like broken blood vessels underneath the skin,' said Dr Anna-Kathryn Burch. 'MOST TRAUMATIC DAY OF MY LIFE' My son, 18, wrote his illness off as a hangover - hours later he was dead 'It's not a typically rash that you would get with let's say, a viral infection. If you put your finger on it and press down really hard, the rash will stay there.' Around one in 10 people have N. meningitidis at the back of their throat without having symptoms or being unwell. Advertisement Carriers can pass it on to others by close contact, such as sneezing, coughing or kissing. According to Meningitis Research: 'Only a small fraction of people who are exposed to meningococcal bacteria It most often strikes children and young people. Vaccinations can protect against some types of meningitis, with viral meningitis being the most common form and bacterial meningitis the rarer. Advertisement Dr Burch warned of speed at which the disease can take hold in someone's body. 'The infection happens so quickly, and once it starts going, sometimes it is very hard to save the person who is infected with the bacteria," she said. William - who has three siblings - Emi Reese, 15, Logan, 12 and Rediger, eight - will be remembered by his family as having 'flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire'. 5 William was a keen sportsplayer Credit: Facebook Advertisement 5 He was described as the "life of the party" Credit: Facebook Know the signs of meningitis and septicaemia Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord – the meninges. Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same germs as meningitis and is life-threatening. It can occur with or without meningitis. Both meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours, so it is critical to know the symptoms so you can act fast. Symptoms can appear in any order and not all of them show. For example, the meningitis rash does not always appear. It can be hard to tell meningitis/septicaemia apart from other common bugs. The symptoms marked with a * indicate those that are more specific to meningitis/septicaemia and are rarer with common bugs. Symptoms of both septicaemia and meningitis Fever and/or vomiting Very sleepy, vacant or difficult to wake Confused/delirious* A rash, which can be anywhere on the body* Additional symptoms of meningitis Severe headache Seizures Dislike of bright lights Stiff neck* Additional symptoms of septicaemia Breathing fast/breathlessness Pale or mottled skin Limb/muscle/joint pain, which may come with stomach pain or diarrhoea * Cold hands, feet or shivering* Source: His 'Will was a highlight of many people's day-equal parts athlete, comedian, music lover, and loyal friend. 'His teammates, coaches, and friends knew him as the life of party-always ready with a story, usually a little embellished for effect, and always delivered with a grin. Advertisement 'Will was recognized as an 'All A's' student, a testament to his intelligence, curiosity, and occasional bursts of focus between jokes. 'Beyond the classroom and court, Will was known for his infectious smile, playful banter amongst friends, and unmatched gift for turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories.' 5
