Fifth suspected meningococcal infection revealed

A fifth person from Tasmania’s north-east is being treated for suspected meningococcal infection – this time an adult.

A fifth person from Tasmania’s north-east is being treated for suspected meningococcal infection – this time an adult.The man is in his 30s and was admitted to Launceston General Hospital’s intensive care unit today in a critical condition.He comes from the Scottsdale area where there have been two confirmed cases of meningococcal disease and two other suspected cases.At this stage there is no known link between the man and the other cases, which involve students from the local high school.The two confirmed cases were also treated at the Launceston General Hospital and one of those students has now been transferred to the Scottsdale hospital.Students at the school have been given antibiotics and will receive vaccinations tomorrow.(Source: ABC Health, July 2004)