Karabar High School students have been warned to watch for symptoms of meningococcal after a student contracted meningitis.
NSW health authorities sent a letter to parents this afternoon saying the student was being treated for meningococcal as a precaution.
Close contacts of the student will be required to take antibiotics as a precaution while other students have been advised to watch for symptoms.

Karabar High School students have been warned to be watch for symptoms of meningococcal

“A case of meningitis has been notified in a student at Karabar High School. As a precaution they
are being treated for meningococcal disease,” the letter said.
“Only people who have been in close contact with a suspected or confirmed case need to take
special antibiotics to clear the bacteria from the back of the throat.”
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Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium that is carried, usually harmlessly, in the nose
and throat by up to 10% of people.
However, occasionally carriers may pass it on to others who have been in close contact with them.
“While the risk of developing infection is very low, it is important to seek medical advice
immediately if you develop any of the symptoms of meningococcal disease or if you are unwell.
“Even if you’ve had a meningococcal vaccine you still need to look out for symptoms, because the
vaccines don’t protect against all meningococcal strains.”
The symptoms of meningococcal disease to look out for include a combination of:
Sudden onset of fever
Sore joints and muscles
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Neck stiffness
Dislike of bright lights
Tiredness
A pin-prick rash may appear anywhere on the skin; this can quickly change into large red purple blotches. Usually this rash does not disappear when light pressure is applied to the skin. Sometimes a rash does not appear at all.

SOURCE: Canberra Times