A MOUNT Gambier boy was today confirmed as the second person in the region in just two weeks to be diagnosed with the invasive meningococcal disease.
The 15-year-old – a student at Mount Gambier High School – has been diagnosed with the invasive serogroup B disease, which is the same strain which claimed the life of a South East baby just weeks ago.
He is currently in a stable condition in an undisclosed hospital.
SA Health claims the latest case is under control in the school with the risk of others developing the infection classed as “extremely low”.
Working with the Department of Education and Child Development and SA Health, the school yesterday informed parents of the situation and any necessary precautions which may need to be taken.
“The health of children and staff is our priority and the school and department are working with and acting on the advice of SA Health,” a department spokesperson said.
“Parents and students are being notified of the situation and are urged to contact the school directly if they have any immediate concerns.”
In a letter sent to parents yesterday afternoon, people in contact with the student were told there was no need to be isolated or excluded from school or work and to simply be aware of the signs or symptoms of the disease and seek medical advice immediately if any do occur.
This latest case comes just two weeks after the tragic death of six-month-old Jordan Braddock, who passed away from the meningococcal B-strain at Mount Gambier Hospital.
Jordan died within hours of falling ill from the disease.
His death sent shock-waves across Mount Gambier’s tight-knit community, triggering a grassroots community campaign pushing for the B-strain vaccine to be funded.
Under the current vaccination program, the deadly B-strain vaccine is not included, with parents forced to pay potentially hundreds of dollars to access the lifesaving vaccine.
Jordan’s parents Nathan Braddock and Emma Smith have started a “Justice for Jordan” meningococcal awareness campaign in a bid to save other children from succumbing to the “cruel” disease.
The heartbroken family has vowed not to stop campaigning until a funded vaccine is rolled out across Australia for children.
A petition has been distributed across the region calling for the State Government to fund an interim meningococcal B-strain vaccine.
State Health Minister Stephen Wade has met with the state’s chief medical officer to discuss the proposal.
The latest case has not been linked to the case of young Jordan in Mount Gambier or any other instance of the disease
