摘要：During 2002, 124 cases of invasive meningococcal disease were notified in Queensland. This was similarto the previous year (n=128). Four (3.2%) of the cases died. Trends by age and serogroup were generallysimilar to previous years and were consistent with the overall patterns of this disease in Australia.However, an apparent increase in serogroup C, which infected 41 per cent of cases, needs continuedmonitoring. This report highlights the need for continued surveillance of morbidity and mortalitypatterns and management of this disease. Ongoing surveillance will monitor the impact of the NationalMeningococcal C Vaccination Programme, commenced in early 2003. This report also highlights theneed for ongoing community education to ensure people seek medical attention early after onset of theillness. This report shows that when general practitioners considered meningococcal disease as adiagnosis, their patients were admitted to hospital sooner than patients in whom this diagnosis was notinitially considered. Acknowledging that early disease may present diagnostic difficulties, furtherawareness raising amongst general practitioners is required to promote early recognition and referral.
