Doctors are urging parents not to hesitate if they think their children are sick, after a young baby died in Northland.

Meningococcal disease is suspected, and officials are warning it can kill very quickly.

"Meningococcal disease can kill very quickly. In this case, the baby died within 48 hours of becoming unwell and deteriorated very quickly. Tragically, despite the best attempts by hospital staff to save her life, the baby died," said medical officer of health, Dr Clair Mills.

This is the seventh case of meningococcal disease in Northland this year, and the first fatality.

 

Meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose because it can look like other illnesses, such as the flu, including a high fever; headache; sleepiness; joint and muscle pains.

There can also be some more specific symptoms, such as a stiff neck; dislike of bright lights; vomiting; crying; refusal to feed (in infants) and a rash consisting of reddish-purple pin-prick spots or bruises.

If you or anyone in your family has these symptoms, call your doctor straight away. You can also call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 24 hours a day - even if you have already been seen by a health professional.