A young child is in a serious condition in a Hunter hospital with a confirmed case of Meningococcal Disease.
The potentially life-threatening illness she contracted isn't linked to any other cases in the region.
The infection doesn't spread easily but close contacts of the patient have been prescribed clearance antibiotics to prevent any potential spread.
The first signs of meningococcal disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour. Later symptoms may include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises, and drowsiness.
Public Health Physician David Durrheim is stressing that anyone who suspects they could have the symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
