Auckland high school student tests positive for meningococcal disease

A North Shore college student has tested positive for meningococcal disease. 

And officials are now working to confirm if the infection is linked to a second suspected case during the school holidays. 

Health New Zealand issued a letter today to members of the Rosmini School community. 

It said a student at the college had been confirmed as having meningococcal disease - a bacterial infection that can cause “very sudden, serious illness”. 

It can lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis and blood poisoning. 

“There are no close contacts in the school community from this case, or from another student who was suspected of having meningococcal disease during the school holidays. 

“Health New Zealand is working to confirm if there is a link between the two cases.” 

The letter said the risk of other students or staff catching the illness was considered low, and families did not need to take any action. 

HNZ would provide more information to the school if the risk level changed. However, people were urged to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease in students or family members. 

These included: 

• a high fever 
• headache 
• sleepiness 
• joint and muscle pain 
• a stiff neck 
• dislike of bright lights 
• vomiting 
• a rash of reddish-purple pin-prick spots or bruises 

At the start of the illness meningococcal disease could feel like the flu or a cold, but could become worse very quickly, the HNZ letter states. 

“If you or your child has symptoms you are worried about please contact your usual doctor or call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116. In an emergency call 111. 

“If your child develops the symptoms of meningococcal disease or becomes suddenly unwell, do not wait — seek health advice immediately.” 

Rosmini College headmaster Nixon Cooper said he received the letter from HNZ last night and sent it to the school community this morning. 

He declined to provide any further details about the student who had tested positive due to privacy considerations. 

He was pleased no close contacts had been identified and that had HNZ assessed the risk to other students and staff as low. 

‘False sense of security’ 

The Herald is seeking comment from Rosmini College, Health NZ and the Ministry of Education. 

RNZ reported last month on the death of Kyla Te Wano Greensill from meningococcal disease. 

The gifted volleyball player had representing Aotearoa New Zealand internationally, including as a member of the Volley Ferns. 

Her parents said the young woman did not have some of the symptoms associated with the illness and had “deteriorated rapidly”. 

Due to her being an athlete, her sore neck, muscles and joints were attributed to sport and recovery. 

University of Waikato graduate Kyla Te Wano Greensill. Photo / Supplied 

Greensill became extremely cold and struggled to warm up but then appeared to improve, her parents said. 

“She ate dinner, was up talking and watching television, and seemed to be getting better. That gave us a false sense of security.“ 

However, said then went downhill fast. 

“The time between calling the ambulance and facing our new reality was frighteningly short. Meningococcal disease took our girl incredibly quickly.“ 

Her parents said they encouraged people to be vigilant when someone had flu-like symptoms and appeared unusually unwell. 

“Trust your instincts. If someone seems seriously unwell, seek medical help. Don’t wait for a rash or for every symptom you associate with meningococcal disease to appear. Don’t worry about making a fuss.” 

Lane Nichols is Auckland Desk Editor and a senior journalist for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.