A child in Western Australia has been hospitalised after contracting meningococcal disease, prompting health authorities to issue a public warning. This rare but life-threatening bacterial infection affects the bloodstream and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, with mortality rates of 5–10% and potential for serious long-term complications including hearing loss and brain damage.

So far in 2025, Western Australia has recorded 13 meningococcal cases—12 of serogroup B and 1 of serogroup Y—with the hospitalised child being one of five cases of serogroup B. The bacteria spread via respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing but do not easily transmit person-to-person; approximately 10–20% of the population naturally carry the harmless bacteria in their nose and throat. Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness and, sometimes, a distinctive red-purple rash; vaccines are available free for children at 12 months and Year 10 students, with additional free provision for Aboriginal children and those with certain medical conditions.