A five-month-old baby is in a critical condition as he battles meningococcal disease at a Queensland hospital.
The infant remains in a critical but stable state at Townsville University Hospital, as reported by 7NEWS.com.au on Monday.
A photo obtained by 7NEWS.com.au reveals that a significant portion of the baby’s body is covered in reddish-purple lesions, a common symptom of this deadly disease.
Initially, the baby was admitted to a hospital in Cairns before being airlifted to Townsville on Sunday. Dr. Stephen Donahue, the director of Townsville’s public health unit, confirmed the details.
“The child is extremely sick,” Dr. Donahue stated, adding that the baby is experiencing “sepsis, low blood pressure, poor circulation,” and is also “in shock.”
“Our doctors believe this is a case of meningococcal bacteremia, or sepsis,” Donahue said.
“Meningococcal is a feared disease because it can be fatal within 12 hours,” he warned. “It’s terrifying.”
Donahue emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “This is why it’s so crucial to vaccinate, as this illness can be very serious. This is a very sick child.”
He added, “If the person is brought to the hospital quickly, it’s easy to treat with antibiotics. But if left untreated, it can become very serious, very quickly.”
According to the National Immunisation Program schedule, meningococcal vaccinations are recommended from 12 months of age.
“This child was too young to be effectively vaccinated,” Donahue explained. “That’s why it’s vital for older children, young adults, and adolescents, who can respond to the vaccine, to be protected. By doing so, we can reduce the circulation of these germs in the community.”
Queensland has recorded 21 cases of invasive meningococcal disease so far this year.
