Olympic/Paralympic heroes join medical experts urging parents and young adults to "be vigilant" with meningococcal cases expected to climb this peak season
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.. Parents warned to be aware of early symptoms and act quickly
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Sydney, Australia: High profile Olympians are joining forces with health experts and survivors, warning Australian families and young adults to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of a meningococcal infection and to act quickly if infection is suspected.
With peak season underway, medical experts want parents of young children (aged 0-4) and young adults (aged 15-19) in particular[i], to pay attention to early flu-like symptoms that may signal the onset of meningococcal infection. These are the age groups with the highest risk of disease, and while most people survive, meningococcal disease can prove fatal in up to 10% of cases within 24-48 hours.[ii] [iii]
Already this year, 56 cases of the potentially devastating bacterial infection have been recorded across Australia, with the majority in New South Wales and Queensland.[iv] v In the past two years, annual case numbers have climbed to just over 130 nationally.
General practitioner and father-of-three Dr Sam Hay says: “Cases of meningococcal disease typically occur in winter and early spring; however, it can strike at any time of year. The bacteria are spread through close contact - tiny droplets from the nose and throat - so coughing, sneezing, living in close quarters, or kissing can all increase the risk. Certain lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking or vaping, can also increase risk.”
23-year-old apprentice Jacob Blackwell from NSW Central Coast was a sports-mad tradesman living his best life when he suddenly developed meningococcal disease two years ago. Jacob’s ordeal began when he started slurring his words and stumbling – before being found unresponsive in his share flat. While Jacob survived after spending 230 days in hospital and 22 of those in intensive care, he has been left with life-long physical complications and is now determined to educate others.
He says: “As a meningococcal survivor, I know how quickly this infection can take hold and the devastating impact it can have. I didn’t have a rash – my main symptoms were confusion and delirium.”
“People often think of meningococcal as a disease affecting babies, but I was a healthy young adult. I had everything going for me and my life has been seriously impacted. My recovery hasn’t been easy, but getting back in the pool is a huge step forward to rebuilding my strength, confidence and mental wellbeing.
“I want to move forward, and I also want my experience to help educate others. I want people to know about meningococcal and recognise the early signs of this illness so they can act quickly.”
Australian Paralympian Jay Dohnt says meningococcal disease also changed his life. He had both legs amputated below the knee after contracting the infection as a 13-year-old. He went on to swim for his country and has now embarked upon a social work career. He is committed to inspiring other survivors but also wants Australians to understand more about the infection.
Jay says: “It's a devastating disease, and I know that first-hand. The risk of death is real, and the risk of disability is real."
Meningitis Centre Australia CEO Karen Quick says meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, with some people becoming critically ill within 24 hours. While the rash is the most commonly known symptom of the disease - it is often the last symptom to appear or doesn't appear at all; however, other symptoms like fever, headache and vomiting may signal a meningococcal infection.
Ms Quick commented: “It’s vital Australians stay alert and act fast and speak with their doctor to learn more about meningococcal disease. Whether you're a parent, teacher or coach, we all have a role in raising awareness. The more we talk about the symptoms and different types, the better chance we have of protecting young people.”
Mother of five and Olympic gold medallist Libby Trickett said she is “always mindful” of the meningococcal risk. “I have taken one of my own children to hospital emergency when they developed a fever and a rash. Thankfully, it was something else, but I acted quickly because I know meningococcal disease can progress quickly and it can be devastating. I did not want to take any chances. It’s always in the back of your mind when your kids get sick and particularly at this time of year.”
Meningococcal disease can be hard to identify as early symptoms can resemble a flu-like illness including fever, headache, drowsiness and vomiting.ii
A rash, if it appears, is a sign of advanced infection and urgent medical attention is critical. ii iv But some of those who contract meningococcal disease have minimal warning and every second without treatment risks irreversible damage.
About 1 in 10 people carry meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throat without feeling sick.ii vii But in rare cases, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious illness.ii
There are two main types of illness caused by these bacteria, depending on whether it spreads into the blood stream or into the brain:ii
- Meningitis, when it infects the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
- Septicaemia (blood poisoning), when it gets into the bloodstream.
- Sometimes, it can affect both areas at once.
If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can cause a rash later in the illness and may lead to serious complications like skin damage or even amputation.ii vii Meningitis causes swelling around the brain and can lead to symptoms like confusion or headaches.ii vii Long-term effects may include headaches or problems with thinking and memory.ii vii
Low Awareness of Meningococcal Disease
A recent study* of parents of both young children and adolescents, as well as young adults found: x
- Low symptom awareness:
Nearly 25% (1 out of 4) of parents with young children and almost half (48%) of young adults (18–24) cannot name a single symptom of meningococcal disease. Parents of adolescents had better awareness with only 15% unable to name a symptom of meningococcal disease. - Limited understanding of disease types:
Only one-third of parents (33%) and fewer than one in five (17%) of young adults can name a specific type of meningococcal disease. Fewer than half of parents (46% parents of children, 49% parents of adolescents) are aware there are different types and only a quarter (26%) of young adults. - Severity of meningococcal disease is well recognised amongst parents with parents of children (78%) and parents of adolescents (66%) considering the disease to be extremely or moderately severe. In contrast, only 39% of young adults thought the same.
- *Research conducted by IQVIA on behalf of GSK
There are six strains of meningococcal bacteria responsible for most cases globally - A, B, C, W, X and Y. Currently in Australia, three strains - B, W, and Y – cause the majority of cases. vii viii
Awareness gaps identified through GSK's survey brings an updated Australian perspective to findings from an earlier global survey across 8 countries, including Australian parents. vi
The signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease should be taken seriously, and medical attention sought quickly. ii vii
Early symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, sensitivity to lights, drowsiness or confusion, headache and stiff neck.
For babies: Symptoms may also include high-pitched moaning cry, difficult feeding, floppiness, or a bulging fontanelle (soft spot, on top of the head).
For more information about the disease, visit: https://knowmeningococcal.com.au and speak with your doctor to learn more about meningococcal disease.
ENDS
About the GSK surveyx
On behalf of GSK Australia, IQVIA conducted an online survey among 659 Australians split evenly between parents of children (0-4 years) and parents of adolescents (15-19 years) and young adults, in April-May 2025. The purpose was to measure and understand awareness and perceptions of meningococcal disease among parents and young adults (18-24 years), attitudes and discussion about meningococcal disease. There were 60% female and 40% male respondents. The recruited sample is not nationally representative. The majority of respondents resided in NSW (31%), VIC (27%) and QLD (17%).
About invasive meningococcal disease
Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.ii There are multiple types (strains) of meningococcal bacteria. Globally, there are 6 types which most commonly cause disease (A, B, C, W, X and Y). vii Currently in Australia, 3 strains cause the majority of disease (B, W and Y). viii While most people infected will survive and recover, this rare but potentially devastating infection can progress rapidly and lead to serious disability (up to 1 in 3 who survive the disease may suffer long-term complications or disability, which may include, among others, chronic headaches, skin scarring, brain damage, deafness or loss of limb/s)ix or death (up to 1 in 10 infected may die) even with appropriate medical care, within 24-48 hours.ii iii ix
While meningococcal disease can occur at any age, infants, small children, adolescents, and young adults between 15–24 years old are at most risk.i Early symptoms of IMD may be non-specific.ii Symptoms may include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights and nausea and vomiting.ii The distinctive purple or red meningococcal rash is an advanced symptom of blood infection, which may or may not occur. ii Young children may have less-specific symptoms including irritability, difficulty waking, high-pitched crying, a bulging fontanelle (soft spot on top of the head), and refusal to eatii vi
Good hygiene practices such as handwashing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and discarding
used tissues promptly, are important to help prevent the spread of germs. Vaccines are available to help prevent meningococcal disease. While there is currently no single vaccine that protects against all strains of meningococcal disease, different vaccines protect against different strains of meningococcal disease.ii
About GSK
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com.
References:
i Department of Health and Aged Care. Communicable Diseases Intelligence. 2023 Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme Annual Report, Volume 48, 2024
ii Health Direct. Meningococcal disease. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/meningococcal-
disease [Accessed October 2024].
iii World Health Organization. Meningitis. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/meningitis [Accessed
October 2024].
iv The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Meningococcal Infection. Available at: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Meningococcal_infection/ [Accessed October 2024].
v NNDSS reported cases of IMD, 04 July 2025 https://nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/
vi Ballalai I, et al. Understanding barriers to vaccination against invasive meningococcal disease: a survey of the knowledge gap and potential solutions. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2023 Jan -Dec;22(1):457-467. doi: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2211163.
vii Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease Symptoms and Complications. Available
at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/symptoms/index.html[Accessed October 2024].
viii World Health Organisation (WHO). Meningitis. https://www.who.int/health-topics/meningitis, [Accessed August
2024]
ix Shen, J. ;et al.; Range of invasive meningococcal disease sequelae and health economic application – a systematic and clinical review. BMC Public Health;22, 1078 (2022).
x IQVIA Meningococcal disease awareness survey June 2025.
Key Facts:
Meningococcal disease is a potentially devastating bacterial infection which can progress rapidly, with some people becoming critically ill within 24 hours.
Already this year, 56 cases of meningococcal infection have been reported across Australia. NSW (18), QLD (14), VIC (10), WA (7), SA (5), TAS (2).
New research highlights low awareness*:
- Research conducted in May found nearly half (48%) of young adults (18–24) couldn’t name a single symptom of meningococcal disease.
- One in four parents of children aged 0–4 were also unable to name a symptom.
Contact details:
Media Enquiries:
Alice Gold, 0478 185 085, [email protected]
Daisy Smith, 0403 262 974, [email protected]
Ffion Williams, 0468 613 686, [email protected]
GSK Enquiries: Emma Power, 0419 149 525, [email protected]