Attendees of the popular music festival Splendour In The Grass are being urged to stay alert for symptoms of meningococcal.
It comes after a Sydney man in his 40s who attended the festival has died from the disease, while another case has been identified.
NSW Health have since issued a warning to attendees.
“Although the disease is uncommon, it can be severe, so we are urging people who attended the event in the North Byron Parklands on 21 – 24 July to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear,” NSW Health says.
“If you suspect symptoms of meningococcal disease, please contact a doctor immediately.”
Symptoms of meningococcal disease are non-specific but include:
- sudden onset of fever
- headache
- neck stiffness
- joint pain
- a rash of red-purple spots or bruises
- dislike of bright lights
- nausea and vomiting
Not all of the symptoms may be present at once.
“While meningococcal disease is now uncommon thanks to vaccination, it can occur year round,” NSW Health says.
“We tend to see increases in late winter and early spring, with children under five and 15 to 25-year-olds at the greatest risk of contracting the disease,
“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and community from the harmful effects of meningococcal disease.”
For more information on vaccination or symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment of Meningococcal, see the NSW Health website.
