A second Central Coast woman has been diagnosed with meningococcal disease in as many months.
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Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) said the most recent case involved a 65-year-old woman.
The woman became unwell while visiting family in Victoria.
She remains there in hospital, in a stable condition, with the W strain of the disease, a spokesperson for CCLHD said.
The first case for the Central Coast this year was in May when an 81-year-old woman was diagnosed with the Y strain of the disease.
"The woman made a full recovery and was discharged from hospital," the spokesperson said.
There was no link between the two cases, they said.
CCLHD director of public health, Dr Peter Lewis, said close contacts of the 65-year-old woman had been prescribed clearance antibiotics to reduce the risk of the disease being spread to others.
"Meningococcal bacteria are not easily spread from person to person and the bacteria do not survive well outside the human body," Dr Lewis said.
"Although meningococcal disease is very uncommon in NSW it can be a very serious illness and it is important that the community are aware of the symptoms and seek early medical care."
Symptoms of meningococcal disease may include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting, he said.
The bacteria are passed between people in the secretions from the back of the nose and throat. This generally requires close and prolonged contact with a person carrying the bacteria who is usually completely well, and may be living in the same household.
Vaccination for meningococcal disease, types A, C, W and Y, was available on the National Immunisation Program for infants at 12 months of age and adolescents in year 10, Dr Lewis said.
Any adolescents aged 15 to 19 years who miss the vaccine in school are eligible for a free vaccine from their GP.
The state government has invested about $130 million in the 2018-2019 National Immunisation Program budget, including commonwealth and state vaccines.
For more information download a NSW Health Fact Sheet: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/meningococcal_disease.aspx
