Meningococcal Disease

Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: I ask the Attorney General, representing the Minister for Health, the following question without notice. Is the Minister aware that a baby boy died from suspected meningococcal disease in Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital yesterday? Is he also aware that about three-quarters of all deaths from meningococcal disease could be prevented with earlier diagnosis and treatment? Is the Minister aware that there have been 67 cases of meningococcal disease reported to NSW Health this year, that two people have died from the disease, and that there have been 11 other confirmed cases of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England Health region? Can the Minister indicate what arrangements are in place to ensure that early detection and treatment will result in a full recovery and will avoid future deaths as the peak season for the potentially fatal illness approaches?

The Hon. JOHN HATZISTERGOS: I will refer the question to the Minister for Health.