NSW: Aboriginies four times more likely to get meningococcal

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2001
NSW: Aboriginies four times more likely to get meningococcal

A new study has found, Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders are four times more likely
to develop meningococcal disease than other Australians.

The study, by a researcher from the New England Area Health Service in northern New
South Wales, also found indigenous Australians are affected by the disease at a younger
age.

PETER MASSEY, a public health researcher in Tamworth, blames overcrowding and poor
general health for the high numbers.

His study of 55 meningococcal cases in the New England area between 1991 and 1999 found
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had a much greater chance of falling ill
with meningococcal.

Meningococcal is a potentially deadly bacterial infection that can cause inflammation
of the brain or infection of the blood.

Most people recover from the disease, but Mr MASSEY says a small number of sufferers
develop complications and die.

He also says there's no suggestion the disease is linked to genetics, but the socioeconomic
status of indigenous Australians plays a role.

AAP RTV nf/jjs/alt/jn

KEYWORD: MENINGOCOCCAL (SYDNEY)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.