Hygiene the key to rare disease control

The Amanda Young Foundation held their annual Kiddy Canter event, during which their mascot Melrose Mare teaches children to stamp out bad bugs and stay healthy.

This involved sending free activity packs to childcare centres illed with horse-themed stickers, balloons, craft and activities to teach children the importance of excellent hygiene practices.

Parents received free resources and merchandise to help them identify the key symptoms of the disease.

The foundation hopes that awareness will save lives, as parents will have the confidence to seek medical attention early.

It is important for parents of babies and young children to be aware of meningococcal disease, education program co-ordinator for the foundation Georgia Radinger said.

‘Babies and children up to the age of five are the highest risk group for meningococcal disease,’ she said.

‘Often the knowledge of a few key symptoms is enough to give carers the confidence to seek urgent medical assistance before it’s too late.’