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Urgent warning to Australians who attended a popular music festival last week after a reveler was hospitalized with a deadly illness.
- Person who went to Spilled Milk festival in Canberra on November 26 is in hospital
- They have come in contact with the deadly meningococcal disease and are receiving care
- Health authorities are speaking to any close contacts of the reveler.
- Those who attended the festival have been told to watch for symptoms.
- Symptoms of the disease include rash, fever, nausea, headaches, joint pain
The ACT state government is warning anyone who attended a popular Canberra music festival in November to keep an eye out for signs of a deadly disease they may have been exposed to at the venue.
Health authorities are urging people who attended the Spilled Milk festival on the weekend of November 26 to be on the lookout for symptoms of meningococcal disease and to act immediately if they identify any.
One person who attended the festival has since been diagnosed and is in Canberra Hospital.
Attendees at the Spilled Milk music festival in Canberra on November 26 are warned to watch for symptoms of meningococcal disease, after a reveler was hospitalized (pictured, revelers at festival)
Authorities are identifying close contacts of the individual and contacting them directly.
ACT health director Dr. Kerryn Coleman said meningococcus, while rare, can be serious, leading to lifelong complications or death.
“We urge people who attended the Spilled Milk festival at the Canberra Exhibition Park over the weekend to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease,” he said.
One of the most well-known symptoms is a rash, but it may not be present at all or may appear very late in the disease.
Common symptoms of the disease include sudden onset fever, headaches, stiff neck, joint pain, a red/purple spot or bruise like rash, irritability in bright light, nausea, and vomiting.
One person who attended the Canberra music festival (pictured) has since been diagnosed and is in Canberra Hospital.
Symptoms in children and young people are less common, but may include irritability, difficulty walking, high-pitched crying, and loss of appetite.
“People can carry meningococcal bacteria in their throat and have no symptoms, but pass it on to close contacts. If you suspect symptoms of meningococcal disease, seek immediate medical evaluation,” said Dr. Coleman.
Vaccines against the disease have made it “rare,” but children under five and people ages 15 to 25 are most at risk of contracting meningococcus.
Meningococcal vaccines are available free to all children 12 months and older, adolescents, and people of all ages with medical conditions through the national immunization program.
Common symptoms of the disease include sudden onset fever, headaches, stiff neck, joint pain, a red/purple patch or rash-like bruises, irritability in bright light, nausea, and vomiting.