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The Ministry of Health has contracted
Californian biotech company Chiron Corporation to develop a vaccine to
combat menningococcal disease, which has social costs to New Zealand of an
estimated $75 million a year.
A specific vaccine is needed because the strain of meningococcal group B
bacterium responsible for the NZ epidemic has subtle differences from other
strains.
Director-General of Health Dr Karen Poutasi welcomed the contract as a
highly significant first step in reducing the toll the disease takes on New
Zealanders, but cautioned there was still a lot more work to be done.
"Anyone who has had a family member contract meningococcal disease
knows what an aggressive and frightening illness it can be. It's
frightening enough even to think your sick child's symptoms could be those
of meningococcal disease," Dr Poutasi said.
"Symptoms in a very young child can include a fever and vomiting, or
the child may refuse drinks or feeds, be excessively sleepy, or cry and be
unsettled. A rash like blood spots under the skin may also appear at a
later stage. It is important that the child see a doctor, as early treatment
helps save lives."
So far this year there have been nearly 300 cases of meningococcal
disease, resulting in 15 deaths.
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