In Far North Queensland, specifically in the Indigenous community of Yarrabah near Cairns, two cases of meningococcal B have been identified, with one child in intensive care due to the disease. Health officials have initiated an outbreak response by offering antibiotics to close contacts of the infected children and starting an immunisation campaign in the community next week.
The first case of meningococcal B was detected around 11 days ago, and the affected child has since recovered, while the second child is currently receiving treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit at Townsville University Hospital. Contact tracing has been initiated, aiming to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the bacteria through close contact with the infected children. The meningococcal B vaccine, which is free for certain at-risk populations, has been highlighted as an essential preventative measure in this situation.