People who attended Splendor in the Grass last month have been advised by NSW Health to stay alert for symptoms of meningococcal disease after the death of a Sydney man who attended the festival and another case.
Key points:
- NSW Health has advised Splendor in the Grass attendees to stay alert for symptoms of meningococcal disease
- A Sydney man who attended the festival died with the infection, and another case has been identified
- There have been 15 cases recorded so far this year in New South Wales
All ticket holders of the event at the North Byron Parklands from July 21 to 24 received an email on Friday.
“NSW Health has been notified of two cases of meningococcal disease in people who attended the 2022 Splendor in the Grass festival,” the email said.
Authorities warn while the disease is uncommon, it can be severe and people need to act immediately if they see any symptoms, as they can appear suddenly and become serious very quickly.
Authorities were notified on Thursday after the man in his 40s was identified to have had the infection following his death.
Symptoms are nonspecific but include a sudden onset of fever, neck stiffness, or a red-purple spotted rash.
There have been 15 cases recorded so far this year in New South Wales with the disease tending to increase in late winter and early spring.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty from NSW Health said people who were at the festival should watch for symptoms, which include a rash and nausea.
“We think the risk is low, but we don’t know for sure, so we’re just asking people to keep in mind the symptoms so in the unlikely event you get them to seek medical attention,” Mr McAnulty said.
.