Meningococcal alert

NSW Health is urging parents and young people to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal disease and act immediately if they appear.

So far this year, there have been 29 cases of meningococcal disease reported in NSW.

A man in his 20s died from meningococcal B disease last week. It’s the second death due to meningococcal disease this year in the state.

Even though there is a vaccination, the disease can occur year round. NSW Health said increases tend to be in late winter and early spring.

There has been a slight increase in cases in recent weeks, compared with the same period over the previous five years.

Children under five and 15 to 25-year-olds are at the greatest risk of contracting the disease.

Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said early intervention can be lifesaving.

“Meningococcal disease symptoms can appear suddenly and become very serious very quickly. If you suspect meningococcal disease, don’t wait for the rash – see a doctor immediately,” Dr McAnulty said.

Meningococcal disease can be fatal within hours if left untreated. Knowing the symptoms could help prevent premature death or life-long disability. They include:

Severe, unexplained limb pain

Difficulty waking up

High pitched crying in babies

Severe headache

Upset by bright lights

Stiff neck

Red-purple rash which doesn’t disappear when pressed with a glass

“While it is a well-known symptom of meningococcal disease, the rash does not always occur, or may present late in the illness,” Dr McAnulty said.

“If symptoms rapidly worsen, or if your child is very unwell, call Triple Zero (000) or go straight to your nearest emergency department.”

For details on vaccination or symptoms, transmission, risks and treatment of Meningococcal, visit the NSW Health website.

Citizen scientists wanted to help koalas

The Sydney Koala Basin Network (SBKN) is hosting a free Citizen Science Training Day and Community Launch at Rosemeadow Community Hall on Saturday, November 26, 10-4pm.

The day will be the ultimate chance for koala lovers to learn from experts and develop the skills to become a Koala Citizen Scientist and help protect koalas in the greater Sydney region.

After a morning presentation and learning session with koala ecology experts, attendees will have the chance to practise newly acquired skills in the bush. These skills will see people identifying koalas, key traits, age, scat, and koala food tree species. Additionally, people will learn where, when and how to report data so it can be used to help protect koalas.

Rosemeadow Community Hall, is at 5 Glendower St, Rosemeadow and the cost will be free (typically $25 but no charge with access code KOALACHAMPION) visit events.humanitix.com/sydney-basin-koala-citizen-science-training-day to book tickets.

Not suitable for under 16s.

Remembrance Day

Camden RSL Sub-Branch held its annual Remembrance Day at Macarthur Park with guest speaker Kate Munari highlighting the importance of remembering.

Ms Munari, a retired Australian Naval helicopter pilot who served twice in Afghanistan, comes from a long line of military personnel. (Ms Munari pictured first on the right with Camden RSL Sub-Branch president, Ian Richard-Evan and Camden mayor, councillor Therese Fedeli, the 7th Light Horse Brigade were also in attendance.)

Ms Munari spoke of the relevance of the day that saw Germany sign the armistices putting an end to World War One – 104 years ago.

“I am particularly fond of Remembrance Day; as it has a sombre reflective quality like no other day and allows me the opportunity to take time as an individual to quietly remember.

“This day brings a raft of memories and emotions to me.”

Ms Munari reflected briefly on her time in Afghanistan – landing in the war zone at night, Christmas lunches and the attending the “vigils of soldiers killed in action the previous day...”

She also recalled her own grandfather, who was conscripted in the army at 18 and served in World War Two in New Guinea and the then Dutch Indies (now Indonesia). She said he never spoke of his experiences. His accounts of his four and a-half year service in the family history book can be summed up in one paragraph.

“It was an interesting period in life and somewhat of a culture shock. It did not endear to me to life in the open and I looked forward to the time when I would be able to return to what I regarded as a normal life.”

Her great-great-great uncle John Gordon served as a doctor at Gallipoli where he set up the first field hospital. He remained in the war until the armistices was signed.

Ms Munari said the First World War might be a long time ago, but Remembrance Day is still important on the battles and wars that came after.

“The impacts of those wars on individuals, families and on societies. Remembrance Day is exactly that; a day to remember the effects of war, the cost of war and the lessons learnt in the hope that each time we remember we move closer to preventing wars in the future.”