A STUDENT from an exclusive Adelaide boys school has been admitted to hospital, having been diagnosed with meningococcal disease.
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The 18-year-old man, a boarding student at Prince Alfred College in Kent Town, was taken to hospital today after falling ill.
An SA Health spokesperson said antibiotics had been administered to those who had come into contact with him.
"SA Health has identified multiple contacts. Of these, 27 people have been directed to receive clearance antibiotics," the spokesperson said.
"This is the seventeenth case of invasive meningococcal disease reported in South Australia during 2012, compared to 10 cases recorded at the same time last year."
The student was taken to hospital for treatment and is in a satisfactory condition.
Meningococcal disease is a severe infection which can lead to the development meningitis - the infection of the outer lining of the brain and spinal cord - and blood infection.
Symptoms include neck stiffness, drowsiness, joint pain, headache, fever and red or purple spots which spread and enlarge.
The school has been contacted for comment.
