Hobart child has meningococcal disease

A Hobart primary school student has been diagnosed with meningococcal disease and is receiving hospital treatment.

It is the fourth case of the disease in Tasmania in 2017 and despite the serious nature of the condition, acting director of Public Health Mark Veitch said it was safe for staff and students to continue attending Gagebrook Primary School.

"The child's closest contacts, including at the school, are being given antibiotics in case they are carrying the meningococcal bacteria in their throat," he said, adding that illness usually occurs as a single case.