{"id":117042,"date":"2015-08-06T14:05:31","date_gmt":"2015-08-06T04:05:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=117042"},"modified":"2020-11-11T13:30:45","modified_gmt":"2020-11-11T03:30:45","slug":"peak-time-for-deadly-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2015\/08\/06\/peak-time-for-deadly-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Peak Time For Deadly Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Meningococcal disease kills between 5 and 10 per cent of the people who contract it
(Graphic: Meningococcal Australia)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

August 6, 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meningococcal Australia is calling on parents and the community to know the facts about this deadly disease – and to watch for the signs, especially during the peak season from July to September.<\/p>\n

The support group said a survey of 2000 Australian parents revealed that while nearly all had heard of meningococcal disease, a third were unaware there were multiple strains of the bacteria which can cause infection.<\/p>\n

And while nearly all could identify the combination of signs and symptoms that could indicate meningococcal disease, 23 per cent would not seek medical attention early enough.<\/p>\n

In addition, 11 per cent said their child did not receive the vaccine on the National Immunisation Program and a further 15 per cent were unsure if their child had or not.<\/p>\n

Meningococcal disease survivor Eliza Ault-Connell, director of Meningococcal Australia, said that while most people were now aware of meningococcal disease, there were still dangerous misconceptions in the community.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want parents to understand that while the free vaccine on the National Immunisation Program protects against the C strain, there are several other strains of bacteria in Australia which can cause meningococcal disease,” she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is critical that parents don\u2019t become complacent, thinking their child is fully protected against the disease, but take the time to understand the signs and symptoms and know what to do if they ever suspect meningococcal disease.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

There were between 140 to 265 cases of meningococcal disease reported in Australia each year between 2008-2013.<\/p>\n

In 2013, 33 per cent of cases occurred in the 0-4 age group and 18 per cent in the 15-19 age group.<\/p>\n

The peak season is from July to September when nearly double the number of cases are reported compared with January to March.<\/p>\n

Between 5-10 per cent of people who contract meningococcal disease will not survive.<\/strong><\/p>\n

About 20 per cent of survivors are left with permanent disabilities that range from learning difficulties, sight\/hearing problems, loss of fingers, toes and limbs, to scarring from skin grafts.<\/p>\n

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