A child is recovering in a Brisbane hospital after being diagnosed with meningococcal disease in northern NSW.
Close contacts of the child have received antibiotics and the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSW LHD) say there are no links between this cases and a previous case from 2014.
NNSW LHD Public Health Director Paul Corben said the disease can be life-threatening and the community should be on the lookout for symptoms, as in most cases early detection and treatment results in a complete recovery.
The first symptoms may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet, and abnormal skin colour.
They can develop into fevers, shying away from bright lights, and a rash of reddish-purple spots or bruises.
"Meningococcal infection does not spread easily," Mr Corben said in a statement on Friday.
"Close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on. It does not appear to be spread through saliva or by sharing drinks, food or cigarettes."
The majority of cases are seen in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults.
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