Meningococcal Case Reported in Adelaide
20 May 2026
The case was reported by SA Health, which confirmed that contact tracing has identified several close contacts. Two people have been given preventive antibiotics to reduce the risk of further spread.
Case numbers in South Australia
| Category | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Year-to-date cases | 7 | 3 |
| Annual total | 7 | 15 |
| Deaths | 0 | 0 |
| Serogroup B | 7 | 13 |
| Serogroup W | 0 | 0 |
| Serogroup Y | 0 | 1 |
| Other/unspecified | 0 | 1 |
Symptoms to watch for
Health authorities say meningococcal disease can develop quickly and symptoms may include:
- Fever, headache and vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Sensitivity to light
- Confusion or drowsiness in later stages
- A rash with small red or purple spots that may spread
- In children: irritability, poor feeding, cold hands and feet, and unusual crying
SA Health urges people to seek urgent medical attention if any of these symptoms appear.
Vaccination advice
Vaccines are available to protect against several types of meningococcal disease. In South Australia, the meningococcal B vaccine is provided free for infants at 6 weeks, 4 months, and 12 months, and for adolescents in Year 10.
The ACWY vaccine is also free for infants at 12 months and Year 10 students.
Health authorities note that vaccines do not protect against all strains, so symptoms should still be taken seriously even in vaccinated people.
For more information, SA Health advises visiting their official website.
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/
Source: SA Health