Schoolies or Schoolies week refers to the Australian tradition of high-school graduates, which is also known as "Schoolies" or "Leavers", having a week long holidays following the end of their final exams in late November and early December.
The victim, Alice, an 18 years old girl from Brisbane, is being treated for the disease in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Brisbane's Mater Hospital.
13 of the Alice’s friends’, who had been staying with her at the Burleigh Tourist Park, Gold coast have been treated with vaccines after the outbreak of the killer bug and most of them have stayed back at the Gold Coast. One other woman has been brought home by her parents for observation.
The health officials have cautioned people and Schoolies to be on the lookout for early meningococcal symptoms, such as vomiting, headaches, neck stiffness or a rash and discomfort when looking at bright lights.
Dr Staines, from Queensland Health, said that Schoolies should not mistake meningococcal symptoms for the after effects of excessive drinking or drug taking. "The Schoolies period could complicate matters as the symptoms and signs of meningococcal disease could be mistaken for alcohol or other drug-related effects. Deterioration in the level of consciousness is a particularly dangerous sign,” Dr Staines said.
"Everyone should keep a good lookout for their mates to ensure they are not becoming seriously unwell,” he added. The two best weapons against the rare but life-threatening disease are awareness and vaccination.
The Principal of the South Brisbane School, Murray Kay, Australia, said that he was notified by Queensland Health officials yesterday that an ex-student had contracted the disease. He said a letter had been sent to parents of all students informing them of the case, the symptoms to watch for and assurances that the risk was minimal.
Mr Kay said, "It's all been pretty calm. I've had no calls from parents."
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection caused by the bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain which is generally transmitted through direct person to person contact with droplets of nasal or throat secretions of infected individuals. Close and prolonged contact such as kissing, sneezing, living in close quarters or dormitories etc. facilitates the spread of infection.
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