Meningococcal: Diagnosed WA child latest in a wave of new serogroup B variant infections across the country

WA has recorded its second case of the life-threatening meningococcal disease this year with a child recovering at home after contracting the serogroup B variant.

The latest case on Tuesday comes after an adult was also diagnosed with the variant on January 5.

The State recorded 19 cases last year, 14 were serogroup B, three were serogroup W, and two were serogroup Y.

There were no deaths from the illness which is caused by a bacterial infection of the blood or the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain.

It occasionally attacks other parts of the body such as the throat, lungs or large joints.

There were just 10 meningococcal cases reported in WA during 2021 after the previous year which had 11 cases and one death.

Meningococcal bacteria are carried harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat by about 10-20 per cent of the population at any one time.

Only rarely do bacteria invade the bloodstream or tissues to cause serious infections.

Sometimes — but not always — symptoms may be accompanied by the appearance of a spotty red-purple rash that looks like small bleeding points beneath the skin or bruises.

However, bacteria are not easily spread from person to person.

The department said there were two types of meningococcal vaccines available.

One protected against four serogroups of the meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W and Y) and the other protects against serogroup B.

The MenACWY vaccine is offered free to all children at 12 months of age and is offered to all Year 10 students, with a free catch-up program for 15 to 19-year-olds.

Under the National Immunisation Program, the serogroup B vaccine is offered free to two main groups, which include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged under 12 months and people suffering from specific medical conditions.

Those conditions include people of all ages with asplenia and hyposplenia, complement deficiency or those receiving treatment with eculizumab.