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UPDATE: A 6-month-old Launceston baby was diagnosed with meningococcal disease in the 10th case of the condition this year.
The baby was Tuesday night in stable condition at Launceston General Hospital, receiving treatment for strain B of Acute Bacterial Infection.
Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said the service was working with the child's family and other close contacts to reduce the risk of subsequent infection.
Five cases of W strain have been reported – including the death of 16-year-old Sarah Rose Beltz in July – one case of Y strain and four cases of B strain in the state this year.
Seven of the cases were in the south, two in the north and one in the northwest. On average, Tasmania has about six cases of meningococcal disease each year.
MORE:
FREE JABS CUTTING THE RISK OF MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE IN CHILDREN
EPIDEMIC WHO'S TEAM IN TASMANIA
PETITION TO IMMUNIZATION OF VACCINE AGAINST MENINGOCOCCUS B
Meningococcal B is the only common strain of the disease that is not part of a vaccination program. Recommended doses cost up to $ 470 per person, on a private prescription.
It is understood that the Advisory Committee on Pharmaceutical Benefits is not satisfied with the evidence regarding the efficacy of Bexsero B strain vaccine as part of an overall population program.
The state government continues to fund a free ACWY jet against meningococcus for all Tasmanians aged six weeks to 21 years.
"The ACWY free meningococcal vaccine is available from general practitioners, in some counseling clinics, and anyone over the age of 10 can get it for free from a licensed pharmacist," said Dr. Veitch.
"This program started in late July in response to a community-wide epidemic of meningococcal disease in the northern suburbs of Hobart and at a high rate throughout the country over the past two years."
The vaccination campaign was the most successful mbad vaccination program in the state's history. Earlier this month, the Mercury reported that nearly 90,000 young Tasmanians had received the free ACWY vaccine in just 11 weeks, with all age groups between the ages of zero and 17 recording a vaccination rate of 67% or higher.
Dr. Veitch said that people with meningococcal disease could very quickly feel very badly in the extreme.
"If you or your child have seen a doctor but your condition worsens, go back to your doctor or the nearest emergency department – do not wait," he said.
Symptoms include fever, severe pain, headache, drowsiness and confusion. Infants may be afflicted, soft, pale and malnourished.
Visit www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/menw for more information.
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