Warning against meningococcal complacency

Many Australian parents don't realise the free meningococcal vaccine only protects against one strain of the disease.

And almost one-quarter would not seek medical attention early enough due to misconceptions about the potentially fatal disease, according to a new survey of 2000 parents.

The findings have prompted Meningococcal Australia to urge people to forget the myths and discover the facts.

The peak season for the disease is from July to September and 15 cases have been reported over the past five weeks.

There's been 89 cases this year with the majority in Victoria (27) and NSW (23).

The survey revealed that while nearly all the parents had heard of meningococcal disease, a third didn't know there were multiple strains of the bacteria which can cause infection.

It also found 23 per cent would wait for a bruise-like rash before seeking medical help but this generally appears in the later stages when it is an emergency.

"We want parents to understand that while the free vaccine on the National Immunisation Program protects against the C strain, there are several other strains of bacteria in Australia which can cause meningococcal disease," said the organisation's director Eliza Ault-Connell.

"It is critical that parents don't become complacent, thinking their child is fully protected against the disease, but take the time to understand the signs and symptoms and know what to do if they ever suspect meningococcal disease."

MENINGOCOCCAL FACTS

* It can strike at any age but those aged up to four and from 15-19 are at higher risk

* Hand washing and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing can help stop its spread

* Look out for several of these symptoms - high fever, headache, fatigue or drowsiness, vomiting or diarrhoea, cold hands and feet, cold shivers, pain in the joints or limbs, pale skin, a red pinprick rash

* Symptoms in babies could be a high pitched moaning cry, blank staring expression, floppiness or lethargy

* Don't assume the main symptom is a blotchy purple rash - it doesn't always appear or if it does it's at the late stage.