[ad_1]
A woman in her 20s has been admitted to Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth with a meningococcal infection.
A spokesman for the Taranaki District Health Board said he was in stable condition.
Meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis or septicemia, is rare and is not easily transmitted.
It is usually spread from people who carry the bacteria in their nose or throat but are not sick, and sometimes it spreads through the bloodstream, causing blood or brain poisoning, causing meningitis.
Meningococcus is spread through close or prolonged contact, such as coughing, sneezing, kissing, and sharing drinks or utensils.
The Ministry of Health website states that meningococcus can affect anyone, but it is most common in children under 5 years of age, adolescents, and young adults and can progress very quickly.
Anyone with high temperatures, headache, confusion and drowsiness, joint pain, muscle pain and / or neck stiffness, aversion to bright lights, vomiting, or a red or purple skin rash should seek medical attention immediately. calling Healthline, visiting your GP, an emergency room doctor, or the emergency room.
It can be treated with antibiotics, but early treatment is important.
For information on the meningococcal vaccine, people are encouraged to speak with their GP or practice nurse.
