Staying Healthy in Child Care - National Health and Medical ...

Meningococcal infection
Description
A severe infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, also commonly known
as the ‘the meningococcus’. There are 13 different groups of meningococcus, but
most infections in Australia are caused by groups B and C. The meningococcus is
found in the nose and throat of up to 20% of people 118 , where it is generally carried
harmlessly. In a small number of people, for uncertain reasons, the meningococcus
will spread from the nose and throat into the blood stream, and cause serious illness.
Meningococcal diseases can affect all age groups, but is most common in children
under 5 years of age, and in the 15-24 years group. In Australia, 5 to 10% of people 119
who have meningococcal disease die within a few hours of becoming unwell despite
rapid treatment.
Symptoms in babies and young children include fever, refusing feeds, fretfulness,
vomiting, rash of reddish purple spots or bruises, high-pitched or moaning cry, pale or
blotchy skin. The child may be difficult to wake.
The bacteria is spread in respiratory secretions by close and prolonged person-toperson
contact such as occurs in a household. Meningococcal disease can happen at
any time of the year, but is most common in winter and spring.
Incubation period
Usually 3–4 days.
Infectious period
The child is infectious as long as organisms are present in the nose and throat. This
will be less than 24 hours after they are treated with effective antibiotics.
Exclusion period
Exclude until a course of an appropriate antibiotic 120 has been completed.
Responsibilities of child care providers/staff
A child with this infection should see a doctor immediately. The director should
immediately inform and seek help from the local public health unit.
Responsibilities of parents
Observe the exclusion period.
Any very close contacts of someone with meningococcal disease, such as family
members, need a short course of antibiotics to kill any of the bacteria they may carry.
All very close contacts are usually treated because there is no easy and quick way of
finding out who is the carrier.
Controlling the spread of infection
If appropriate, public health authorities will arrange for other children and staff of the
centre to be given a course of rifampicin by mouth.
136
Draft for Public Consultation