How boosting vaccinations could prevent meningitis outbreak in Australia
Two people have died so far in the ongoing outbreak in the UK. (Reuters: Chris J. Ratcliffe)
A growing outbreak of meningococcal B and meningitis has killed two young people in the United Kingdom.
Five new cases of meningitis have been found in Kent in south-east England in an outbreak the UK Health Security Agency has called "unprecedented".
The spread has been traced back to a Canterbury nightclub and infections of meningococcal B, which led to the development of meningitis.
The National Health Service in England has rolled out a meningococcal B vaccination program. (Reuters: Chris J. Ratcliffe)
In Australia, Queensland woman Anna Gallo fell into a coma after contracting the disease overseas in February, just months after cricket star Damien Martyn was treated for meningitis.
Here's what you need to know about meningococcal B, meningitis and why an infectious disease expert warns Australia may be at risk of an outbreak.
What is meningitis and meningococcal B?
Meningitis is the inflammation of tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, as in this latest outbreak, it can be caused by the meningococcal B bacterial Infection.
Meningococcal B is spread via prolonged, close contact with infected persons, usually through coughing, sneezing and kissing.
Professor Paul Griffin has warned a similar outbreak could "absolutely" happen in Australia. (Supplied)
Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services in Brisbane, Paul Griffin, said it wasn't as infectious as the flu or common cold.
"It is harder to spread than those viral infections, but having said that, it can spread fairly readily given the right circumstances," Professor Griffin said.
He said the disease was more common in and presented a "slightly" higher risk to children.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms of meningococcal B can be "non-specific" and confused with signs of viral infection.
"It can include respiratory symptoms that might mimic another respiratory virus like the flu," Professor Griffin said.
"Then, we'll very rapidly progress to a potentially severe headache, specific symptoms of that inflammation of the brain."
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and can include aches, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light or photophobia and rashes.
"By the time you have those more specific signs and symptoms, it's potentially too late," he said.
Long-lasting effects
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, up to one in 10 patients with meningococcal disease will die and up to one in five surviving patients will suffer from long-term health problems.
Long-term effects of meningococcal-B-induced meningitis include kidney damage, loss of digits or limbs from amputation, and neurological consequences like seizures, hearing loss and vision loss.
He warned those who survived the disease would potentially require high levels of care for the rest of their lives.
Anna's legs and feet were covered in necrotic lesions, the scarring from which is permanent. (Supplied: Anna Gallo)
Anna Gallo suffered from necrotic lesions — patches of dead or dying tissue — after she caught the disease, and although she's recovered, the scarring will be permanent.
Treatment and prevention
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency has administered 2,500 doses of antibiotics across Kent.
"The earlier the antibiotics can be given the better the outcomes," Professor Griffin said.
Professor Griffin said even people with non-specific symptoms like coughing, fever, joint pain or headaches were urged to get tested in order to treat the infection as early as possible before it progressed to "the more nasty manifestation".
Anna Gallo, 24, was on life support for three days after contracting meningitis. (Supplied: Anna Gallo)
The World Health Organization says meningitis is a medical emergency that requires urgent medical attention at a healthcare facility.
Damien Martyn was put into medically induced coma.
Damien Martyn was placed in an induced coma after falling ill with meningitis. (AAP Image: Dave Hunt)
In an interview with the BBC, Mr Martyn said he was told there was only a 50-50 chance of surviving.
The easiest way of preventing the contraction of meningococcal and meningitis is through vaccination.
Anna Gallo says she is grateful for the treatment she received in Japan. (Supplied: Anna Gallo)
Meningococcal A, C, W and Y inoculation is provided through a four-in-one vaccine, but not B, which Professor Griffin attributed to an inconsistent national policy regarding Meningococcal B vaccinations.
"This vaccine is about preventing the really terrible consequences that happen due to what is a rare infection, but a very serious one," Professor Griffin said.
South Australia and Queensland are the only two states in Australia that offer free meningococcal B vaccinations.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners urges travellers visiting sub-Saharan Africa to get vaccinated.
Vaccine can 'prevent' disease
Professor Griffin said Australia could "absolutely" experience an outbreak of meningitis like the UK due to lack of public awareness about meningococcal B and vaccination.
"A lot of people haven't seen a person with it or experienced it for themselves, so they think, 'Oh, that won't happen to me,'" he said.
"It's a terrible tragedy when we see such devastating outcomes come from vaccine-preventable diseases."
He added with the decline in vaccination rates worldwide and outbreaks of diseases like meningococcal and measles, vigilance was essential.
"I would encourage, essentially, everybody to seek advice before you travel," he said.
"The more we can do that … the less likely we are of bringing those sorts of issues onto our shores."