A central Queensland community has rushed to rally around the family of a “beautiful little boy” who was killed by a rare, deadly bacteria.
The little boy’s death has sparked a public health warning in the region for the disease.
More than $14,000 has already been raised through a Go Fund Me set up following the death of Noah, who died from meningococcal sepsis recently.
The North Mackay Saints AFL closed the Go Fund Me after receiving an outpouring of support, saying “what began as something for just our small, close football club has gained more momentum than ever imagined.”
“We have more than achieved our goal, and I know Jenna is beyond grateful for the support. Big love,” organisers wrote.
In an initial post, the group said: “One of our own, Jenna, unexpectedly lost her beautiful little boy Noah recently.”
“As our motto says, strength through loyalty and we are lucky enough to have power in numbers as a club to help Jen and her family through this heartbreaking time,” the initial post read.
Meningococcal disease
- Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that usually causes meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning)
- People with meningococcal disease can become extremely unwell very quickly – 5 to 10% of patients with meningococcal disease die, even despite rapid treatment
- Symptoms of meningococcal disease are non-specific but may include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights nausea and vomiting
- In Australia, babies at 12 months of age and school children from 14 to 16-years-old can get the A, C, W, and Y vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program
Mackay Hospital and Health Service issued a public health alert on Tuesday, warning that a case of meningococcal sepsis had been locally reported.
Meningococcal, a rare and life-threatening infection, is transmitted through prolonged close contact with mucus from an infected person.
“The bacteria is found in the nose and throat of up to 10 per cent of people and sometimes these healthy carriers may pass it on to others by coughing or sneezing. It is not known why these common germs sometimes cause a serious disease,” Mackay HHS wrote in a post.
It’s understood close contacts of the young boy have been treated with antibiotics as a precaution.
Mackay residents have been advised the risk of transmission within the community is low, however they should monitor their symptoms.
Symptoms include: high fever, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, drowsiness and a red or purple rash that looks like bruising.
SOURCE: The Australian
