Meningococcal numbers rise with 18th case reported in WA
The 18th case of meningococcal has been reported in Western Australia just days after Albany teen Lloyd Dunham died from the disease.
A middle-aged patient is currently being treated in hospital, according to The West Australian.
The WA Health Department said the patient had the same W strain that Mr Dunham had.
Meningococcal disease is a rare life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial infection of the blood or the membranes lining the spinal cord or brain.
It most often occurs in winter and spring.
The WA Health Department said the latest diagnosis was a timely reminder of the increased risk of meningococcal at this time of year.
Between 2000 and 2013, incidences of meningococcal had been on the decline, The West Australian reports.
But now the disease appears to be on the rise again.
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There were 23 diagnoses in 2016, and 18 so far already this year.
The WA government has funded a free vaccine against strains A, C, W and Y for people aged 15-19.