Brisbane boy, 13, hospitalised with meningococcal

A 13-year-old Brisbane boy has been diagnosed as having the potentially fatal meningococcal disease.

He is the 42nd confirmed meningococcal case in Queensland this year so far.

Queensland Health says he is in a stable condition in Mater Children's Hospital.

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Health authorities are working closely with the boy's school and education authorities to identify students who had close contact with him.

They are also tracing other people who came into close contact.

Dr Brad McCall, Public Health Physician for Brisbane Southside, said the community should be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease.

"I want to reassure parents that meningococcal disease is not highly infectious and Queensland Health will make direct contact with those in need of follow-up," he said in a statement.

"Other students not assessed as close contacts are not considered to be at risk."

Dr McCall said meningococcal disease was a severe but uncommon infection caused by a bacterial germ.

"About 10 per cent of people carry meningococcal bacteria in their throats and noses without having any symptoms," he said.

He said it does not spread easily and only by close and prolonged contact.

The bacteria spreads through droplets from the nose or throat during coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, drowsiness, and a rash that emerges and spreads rapidly.

The rash initially looks like very small bruises just under the surface of the skin.

Dr McCall said young babies may also have other symptoms, such as refusing to feed, irritability and dislike of being handled, and lethargy.

Meningococcal can cause life-threatening meningitis and sepsis conditions.