Doctors urge close watch for meningococcal symptoms

Doctors say the latest cases of meningococcal meningitis in north Queensland serve as a timely reminder about being aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Doctors say the latest cases of meningococcal meningitis in north Queensland serve as a timely reminder about being aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.There have been 14 cases of the deadly disease in north Queensland this winter.Two Mackay men have been the most recent sufferers.Public health officer Anna Morgan says there is no cause for alarm but she admits early detection is vital to a person’s recovery.”You still need to be aware of the early symptoms, about fever, headache, not liking bright lights, perhaps a rash,” she said.”This is the time of the year to be aware of it. It can happen outside winter months but it is most common during the winter months.”(Source: ABC Health, August 2004)