New meningococcal case reported

Kia ora koutou,

A resident of Te Pā Tauira is currently receiving care at Dunedin Hospital after testing positive for meningococcal disease.

We are working closely with the National Public Health Service as they assess the situation.

Close contacts

The National Public Health Service is in the process of contacting everyone who is considered a close contact, and providing medical advice and antibiotics if needed. A group of residents at Te Pā Tauira who live in close proximity to the affected student are voluntarily isolating as a precaution.

The National Public Health Service advises that the risk of community transmission is low, and only people who have had prolonged or very close contact with the confirmed case require antibiotics.

This includes:

Household or overnight contacts

Intimate partners

Healthcare workers exposed to respiratory secretions

Unless you have been contacted by the National Public Health Service, you do not need antibiotics, and you do not need to isolate.

Symptoms to watch for

Meningococcal disease can come on suddenly and may look like the flu.

Seek help immediately if you notice:

High fever

Headache

Sleepiness or confusion

Joint or muscle pain

Stiff neck

Sensitivity to bright lights

Vomiting

A reddish-purple rash or bruising

If you are worried or feel unwell, call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 or see a doctor urgently.

Find out more about meningitis >

Support for you

If you need support - for example, if you’re unwell, living alone, or need a food dropoff or someone to talk to - please contact Student Support:

Email: studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz

Phone: 0800 762 786

We’re here to support you.

Other health reminders

With Orientation Week and many of you living closely together, it’s important to know the symptoms of measles, meningitis, and whooping cough. We’ve shared information about these illnesses to help you look after yourself and each other.