QLD: Gvt acting on meningococcal outbreak

AAP General News (Australia)
08-19-2001
QLD: Gvt acting on meningococcal outbreak

BRISBANE, Aug 19 AAP - The Queensland government was doing all it could to combat the
outbreak of the deadly meningococcal disease, Premier Peter Beattie said today.

Two more cases of the disease, that has claimed seven lives in Queensland this year
including two teenagers in last fortnight, were reported yesterday.

Queensland Health has established a hotline for anxious parents while medical authorities
have warned the disease was likely to increase over the next month.

"The rapid way it happens is just traumatic but we are doing everything we can," Mr
Beattie told a media conference.

"The health department is monitoring the situation and we are very concerned," he said.

The manager of the health department's communicable disease unit, Linda Selvey, has
called for public calm after being inundated with inquiries for vaccination.

"Parents should not panic. Meningococcal is an uncommon disease and the risk of contracting
the illness is low," Dr Selvey said.

Meningococcal usually infects children up to five years of age, adolescents and occasionally
young adults.

Mr Beattie said the disease was a worldwide problem and Queensland would play its part
in research.

"This is an international problem and if we can improve our knowledge about it then
Queensland will be there," he said.

AAP geb/cdh/bwl

KEYWORD: MENINGOCOCCAL DAYLEAD

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.