A case of invasive meningococcal disease B strain has been notified in a 19 year old male from regional South Australia. He has been admitted to hospital in a critical condition.
The day prior, health officials reported three cases in a 18 year old male, a 29 year old male and a 71 year old woman. All are hospitalized and in stable condition.
Despite this being the fourth case this week, all cases are unrelated and meningococcal disease is only spread by close or lengthy contact so there is no increased public health risk.
SA Health has identified multiple people who had contact with this case, of which 13 people have been directed to receive antibiotic chemoprophylaxis.
Meningococcal health information has been distributed to contacts in accordance with the Invasive Meningococcal Disease Communicable Diseases Network Australia: National Guidelines for Public Health Units.
There have been 25 cases of invasive meningococcal disease reported in South Australia this year, compared to 27 cases recorded at the same time last year.
A total of 30 cases were reported in 2015.
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