SA Health Confirms Meningococcal B Case in Adelaide Child
12 Jan 2026
Health authorities have identified several close contacts of the case. As a precaution, five people have been directed to take clearance antibiotics to reduce the risk of further transmission.
Meningococcal Case Numbers
| Category | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Year-to-date cases | 1 | 0 |
| Total annual cases | 11 | 15 |
| Deaths | 0 | 0 |
| Serogroup B | 1 | 13 |
| Serogroup W | 0 | 0 |
| Serogroup Y | 0 | 1 |
| Non-serogroupable | 0 | 1 |
Symptoms to Watch For
SA Health is urging the community to seek urgent medical attention if symptoms of meningococcal disease develop.
Common symptoms can include:
-
Sudden fever
-
Headache
-
Vomiting
-
Neck stiffness
-
Sensitivity to light
A skin rash may also appear, starting as small red or purple spots that can spread and resemble bruising. In more advanced stages, symptoms may include confusion, drowsiness, or shock.
In young children, warning signs can include:
-
Being unsettled or difficult to wake
-
Refusing food
-
Leg pain
-
Cold hands and feet
-
A high-pitched or moaning cry
-
Pale, blotchy, or unusual skin colour
Public Health Response
Meningococcal health information has been provided to identified contacts in line with the Communicable Diseases Network Australia National Guidelines for invasive meningococcal disease.
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/
Source: SA Health / Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA)
