An 11-month-old baby from rural South Australia has been admitted to hospital with a case of invasive meningococcal disease, health authorities say.
SA Health said the baby was in a stable condition, and people who had been in contact with the infant have been identified, with four directed to receive antibiotics.
There have now been three cases of invasive meningococcal disease reported in the state this year, all of them being serotype B.
Last month, a 24-year-old man also from rural South Australia was treated in hospital for invasive meningococcal disease.
SA Health said signs and symptoms of the disease can include headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and discomfort when looking at lights.
A skin rash may occur, with tiny red or purple spots that soon spread and enlarge to look like fresh bruises.
At later stages of the illness people may develop confusion and shock.
In addition, children may be fretful, difficult to wake and refuse to eat.
They may have leg pain, cold hands and feet, and a high-pitched or moaning cry.
Children may also have pale, blotchy or abnormally coloured skin.
The meningococcal B vaccine is free for infants at six weeks old, four months and 12 months and for adolescents in year 10.
SA Health said that, because vaccines do not protect against all types of meningococcal, vaccinated people should still be on alert for symptoms.
