Third meningococcal case after Splendour in the Grass prompts fresh health warnings

A child has become the third person linked to the Splendour in the Grass music festival to contract meningococcal, sparking a fresh public health alert.

The child is from the NSW North Coast, according to the NSW Health health alert issued on Friday night.

Earlier this month two people who attended the event at the North Byron Parklands from July 21 to 24 tested positive for the disease.

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One of the cases was a man in his 40s who died from the disease.

People who attended the music festival are being asked to monitor for symptoms and act immediately if they appear.

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Authorities are also warning people can still have the disease and be asymptomatic and pass it onto others.

"People can carry meningococcal bacteria in their throats and not have symptoms, but pass it to close contacts," NSW Health said.

So far this year, there have been 17 cases of meningococcal reported in NSW.

Most Australians are vaccinated for meningococcal as babies.

In July, multiple meningococcal cases were identified in South Australia.

What to look out for

Symptoms of meningococcal disease are non-specific but can 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

Young children may have less specific symptoms, these may include:

• Irritability
• Difficulty waking
• High-pitched crying
• Refusal to eat

NSW Health says not all of the symptoms may be present at once.