- Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is rare and most people survive.1 However, even with appropriate medical care, up to 1 in 10 patients who contract IMD may die, typically within 24-48 hours from first symptoms.2,3 Up to 1 in 5 survivors may develop long-term disabilities.3
- GSK research shows most (72%) Australian parents are aware that IMD is a serious infection, but only 19% are aware that IMD can be caused by multiple bacterial strains.4
- Invasive meningococcal disease cases are expected to peak in winter and early spring.6 As of September, 88* cases have been recorded nationally this year.5
17 September 2024, Melbourne, Australia: Cases of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) are expected to peak throughout winter and into September6 prompting high-profile Australians and a leading medical expert to call on parents to remain vigilant.
Their calls come as a recent 2023 GSK survey of 300 Australian parents reveals that meningococcal disease is not well understood. Under half (36%) of respondents correctly understood that symptoms may be similar to the flu and most respondents (81%) were unaware that there are multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria.4
Globally, there are 6 strains which most commonly cause disease (A, B, C, W, X and Y).7 Currently in Australia, 3 strains cause most disease (B, W and Y).8
Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially devastating bacterial infection, which can start suddenly and become serious very quickly.6 Whilst most people survive, up to 1 in 5 survivors may develop long-term disabilities (which may include brain damage, deafness, loss of limb(s) and nervous system problems).3 Cases of meningococcal disease typically peak in winter and early spring, however, they can occur at any time of year.6
National podcaster, author and mother Felicity Harley and her husband, AFL legend Tom Harley admitted they were unaware of multiple meningococcal strains when their five-week-old son Hugo contracted the infection.
Baby Hugo was desperately ill and fighting for his life. While he has fully recovered, the frightening experience now drives the Harley family to warn others.
"I still vividly remember driving my incredibly ill baby to the hospital and not knowing if he would live. Acting quickly on the first symptoms may have saved his life," Ms Harley said.
"Looking back, I realise I did not know enough about meningococcal disease, and I didn't have a lot of information about the different strains of meningococcal or the range of symptoms until my own baby was hospitalised."
"I wish I had been aware of all the symptoms, the different types of meningococcal bacteria that circulate in Australia and the rapid speed at which this infection can progress. I would encourage all parents to speak with their doctors about how to help reduce risks for their families and to not hesitate if they suspect meningococcal disease."
New South Wales GP and father of three Dr Sam Hay said educating parents was critical and should be a priority.
Dr Hay commented: "Although meningococcal disease is rare, it can have devastating outcomes. We know that between 5 to 25% of the general population carry the bacteria at any one time without showing illness or symptoms.6
"For those who do contract the disease and show early symptoms, it's often difficult to attribute them to meningococcal disease, because they can resemble common flu-like infections.3
"To understand how to best protect your family, it is important for parents and caregivers to be vigilant, to recognise the symptoms and also understand what can be done to help prevent meningococcal disease.
"The best way to understand meningococcal disease and the potential risks is to have a conversation with your GP."
Meningitis Centre Australia CEO Ms Karen Quick emphasised that Australians should be better educated about meningococcal disease to minimise infection risks in their own families.
"General awareness of meningococcal disease is not enough," Ms Quick says. "While it can occur at any time of the year, we are now in peak meningococcal disease season. This means children who are two and under, as well as adolescents, face an increased risk of infection.
"We do rely on doctors to provide health-related information, but parents also have a responsibility to be proactive. I would urge parents to know the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, and speak to their doctor to find out the risk for their families, and understand ways to help minimise that risk.
"And if you think you or someone you know is showing early signs of infection, it is imperative to seek urgent medical attention as early treatment is critical."
Meningococcal bacteria is spread by tiny drops of fluid from the nose and throat via coughing, sneezing and spluttering.1
Symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, rash of red-purple spots or bruises, aversion of bright lights and nausea and vomiting.6 Importantly, the rash is usually a late symptom and does not occur in all cases, so parents should not wait for a rash before seeing an HCP.
Young children may have less-specific symptoms including irritability, difficulty waking, bulging fontanelle, high-pitched crying and refusal to eat.6
Transmission risks are increased if there is close and prolonged contact,6 including during school holidays when people typically spend more time together. It is critical that all Australians, especially young people and their families, educate themselves about the early signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, the different meningococcal strains, as well as how they can help protect themselves and their families.
Good hygiene practices such as handwashing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and discarding used tissues promptly, are important to help prevent the spread of germs.1 Vaccination can help prevent meningococcal disease.
The low awareness of meningococcal strains in Australia identified through GSK's research brings an updated Australian perspective to findings from an earlier global survey across 8 countries, including Australia.9
