People who attended Splendor in the Grass have been asked to monitor themselves for symptoms of meningococcal disease.
NSW Health issued an alert on Friday night after two people who attended the music festival tested positive for the disease.
Anyone who attended the event at North Byron Parklands from July 21-24 should be alert for symptoms and “act immediately if they appear”.
NSW Health issued an alert on Friday night after the illness was detected in two cases who attended the music festival. (Getty) People who attended Splendor in the Grass have been asked to watch for symptoms of meningococcal disease. (Getty)
One of the cases was a man in his 40s who died of the disease.
“His infection was identified after his death and NSW Health was notified yesterday,” the authority said.
NSW Health’s Dr Jeremy McAnulty said early intervention can save lives.
“The onset of symptoms of meningococcal disease can appear suddenly and become very severe very quickly,” McAnulty said.
“If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash to appear, see a doctor right away.”
A microscopic image of the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis that causes meningococcus. (Microscopy)
Meningococcal disease can be fatal if left untreated.
- Severe and unexplained pain in the extremities
- Difficulty waking up
- High pitched cries in babies
- Intense headache
- Annoyed by bright lights
- Stiff neck
- Red and purple rash that does not go away when pressed with a glass
“Although it is a well-known symptom of meningococcal disease, the rash does not always occur or may appear late in the disease,” McAnulty added.
NSW Health’s Dr Jeremy McAnulty said early intervention is the best treatment for meningococcus. (Edwina Pickles)
“If symptoms get worse quickly or if your child is very unwell, call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to the nearest emergency department.”
NSW Health said although the disease is rare, up to one in 10 cases die and four in 10 infections result in permanent disabilities.
There have been 15 cases of meningococcal disease in NSW so far this year.
Most Australians are vaccinated against meningococcal as babies.