6 days ago
Warning issued as meningococcal cases rise as alarming new research emerges
As we head into peak meningococcal season, alarming new research has emerged.
It reveals that nearly half of young people can't name a single symptom of the potentially deadly, highly contagious disease.
As a result, some of Australia's best athletes joined forces in the pool on Monday, to raise awareness and issue a stark warning: Know the symptoms of this deadly disease - act quickly - and most importantly don't wait for the rash - because by then it's too late.
Champion swimmer and mum-of-five Libby Trickett is warning parents not wait for the rash.
'We as a society just assume that it's the rash. The reality is if you get to that point that is a really dire situation,' she said.
Doctors say the disease progression is rapid and can take hold in just 24 to 48 hours with young children and teenagers the most at risk.
'A bit of a cold, a bit of a runny nose, a bit of a cough. But then it progresses, fevers, and become very, very sick after that,' Sydney GP Dr Sam Hay said.
Jacob Blackwell was just 21 and in peak physical health when he started feeling sick and when his mum Chelsea found him unconscious, he didn't have a rash.
The disease hit him hard and he spent 230 days in hospital.
'Everything I had to learn to do again so eating, talking... What I love to do, like sport, work and driving... just things we take for granted, you know, that it takes away from you,' Jacob told 7NEWS.
Jay Dohnt was feeling sick when his grandmother found a tiny spot on his back. Hours later it spread all over his body.
He lost his legs at just 13 years old.
But his near death experience inspired him to greatness and won bronze at the Paralympics Games in Beijing.
'I've heard stories of doctors misdiagnosing it or hospital staff sending people home - so it puts a lot of onus on mum and dad.'
56 cases have been recorded across the country already this year with most in New South Wales and Queensland.
Doctors warn the numbers are rising fast, so it's important to look out for the signs.
