SA Health confirms the death of a young adult, marking the 22nd case of meningococcal disease in the state this year.
SA Health confirmed the death of a young adult from invasive meningococcal disease, marking the state's 22nd case of the illness this year.
AI-generated summary
Meningococcal disease is a serious infection with increased risk of disability and mortality if untreated. Adolescents and very young children are susceptible groups.
A young adult infected with invasive meningococcal disease has died.
SA Health confirmed the person's death on Wednesday, after the state's health minister and chief public health officer confirmed the case on Saturday, October 31.
SA Health said data confidentiality meant no details regarding the deceased person could be provided.
Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier had previously said close contacts of the infected person had been provided preventative antibiotics.
No further meningococcal cases have been reported to SA Health, with the deceased person the 22nd case in South Australia this year.
Failure to receive treatment for the disease once symptoms are detected can increase the risk of disability and mortality.
Susceptible groups include adolescents and very young children, though a 36-year-old South Australian man died from the disease in 2023.
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