South Australia's meningococcal B cases jump as vaccination coverage stays at
South Australia has recorded 22 meningococcal B cases this year, up from 13 in 2025, with vaccine uptake lagging.
An adult is on life support in an Adelaide hospital with invasive meningococcal infection. South Australia has now seen 22 cases this year, nearly double the 13 reported by this time in 2025.
Health officials say roughly 50 per cent of eligible South Australians have received the meningococcal B vaccine, which is free for children aged six weeks to 12 months and Year 10 students. The disease progresses fast and can cause death within 24 hours even with rapid treatment.
Up to one in ten infected people die. Symptoms include rash, headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness and discomfort in bright light.
Seven close contacts of the latest patient have been given preventative antibiotics.
- 22
- Cases this year
- 13
- Cases same time in 2025
- Roughly 50 per cent
- Vaccine uptake
- Up to 1 in 10 infected
- Fatality rate
Why it mattersLow vaccination rates leave vulnerable children exposed to a disease that can kill within hours.
AustraliaSouth Australians with children aged six weeks to 12 months or Year 10 students can access free meningococcal B vaccination.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
