Meningococcal disease, a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, is on the rise in Australia. Despite recent cases in Queensland and Western Australia, the number of documented cases in the country has exceeded 80 in 2024 alone.

While the disease can occur year-round, it is most prevalent during the late winter and early spring months. The bacteria that cause meningococcal disease are commonly found harmlessly at the back of the throat and can spread through saliva. In some cases, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illness.

Although anyone can contract meningococcal disease, certain groups are at a higher risk, including infants, toddlers, teenagers, Indigenous Australians, and smokers. The disease often manifests as septicaemia and can also spread to the brain, causing meningitis. Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, joint and muscle pain, and in some cases, a characteristic rash.

Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, even in healthy individuals. It is crucial to seek urgent medical attention if symptoms are present. While antibiotics can be effective in treating the infection, complications can be severe, and the mortality rate is significant.

Vaccination is a key preventive measure against meningococcal disease. Australia offers two main types of vaccines: ACWY, which protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, and meningococcal B. While the ACWY vaccine is widely available under the National Immunisation Program, the meningococcal B vaccine is only fully funded for certain high-risk groups.

Despite the availability of vaccines, the number of cases continues to rise, particularly due to low uptake of the meningococcal B vaccine. This is concerning, as the serogroup B strain is now responsible for the majority of meningococcal disease cases in Australia.

It is imperative that families take advantage of available vaccination programs to protect their children from this serious illness. By increasing vaccination rates, we can significantly reduce the burden of meningococcal disease in Australia.