The patient was responding well to treatment and was in a stable condition.

Close contacts have been identified and treated with antibiotics to prevent the spread of infection.

The GWAHS is urging people to be aware of the signs and symptoms which may include:

• High fever

• Headache

• Neck stiffness

• Sensitivity to bright lights

• Nausea and vomiting

• Drowsiness

• A blotchy purple-red rash

GWAHS director of population health Dr Tony Brown said most cases of meningococcal disease are seen in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be affected.

“Meningococcal disease occurs more commonly in winter and early spring and affects between 100 and 150 people in NSW each year. The disease is serious and up to 10 per cent of patients can die.”

If anyone suspects meningococcal disease they should seek medical attention immediately.

“The two main strains of meningococcal disease include B and C. A vaccine is effective against the less common meningococcal C strain, but there is currently no Australian vaccine for the B strain of the disease.

“This means that young people who have had the meningococcal C vaccine should still be on the look out for symptoms.” Dr Brown said.

The number of cases of the disease has been falling over the last 10 years, due in part due to the success of the meningococcal C vaccination program.

Early detection and treatment can, in the majority of cases, result in full recovery.