From: "Colin McAndrew, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration)" <

Date: 27 September 2006 12:31:08 PM

Subject: Meningococcal update

The two students who were confirmed as having the meningococcal disease

have returned to their community after receiving treatment.  Queensland

Health reported today that they are responding well to the treatment.

No further cases of meningococcal have been reported.

Queensland Health set up a temporary clinic at the Nathan Medical centre

for the 45 students residing on the first floor of the Lowana Building (Mt

Gravatt College) where the two confirmed cases of meningococcal were

identified to administer preventative antibiotic.

Of this number, 38 were seen by Queensland Health between 4pm and 8pm

yesterday.

A further three residents have been contacted and the Sunshine Coast Branch

of QHealth arranged for them to receive the antibiotic today.  Two more

residents have been located overseas and QHealth will speak to the relevant

health authorities to enable the residents to receive the antibiotic.

Of the remaining two residents from this floor, one has been informed and

will receive the antibiotic at the Nathan Campus Medical Centre today.  The

university is still attempting to contact the other student.

As well as the students residing on first floor of the Lowana Building,

five staff who have worked on the floor during the past two weeks and seven

students who spend large amounts of time on the floor were also provided

the antibiotic.

The meningococcal disease is a severe, but uncommon infection and not easy

to catch.  Close and prolonged contact with a person who has the bacteria

in their nose and throat is usually needed for the bacteria to spread to

others.

Queensland Health has advised that any person displaying symptoms

associated with meningococcal should seek medical help as a precautionary

measure.  Symptoms include vomiting, fever, headache, stiff neck, aversion

to light, drowsiness, joint pain and a rash of red purple spots or bruises.

Colin McAndrew

Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration)