The Centre for Health Protection is investigating the year's first confirmed case of meningococcal infection involving a 60-year-old Mei Foo woman.

She came down with a headache, malaise and flu-like symptoms March 16 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital two days later with a fever. She is now stable.

The woman had no recent travel history.

Meningococcal infection is a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with infected people. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, but is commonly three to four days.

Severe illness can result when the meningococcus bacteria invade the bloodstream causing meningococcaemia, or the brain causing meningitis. Meningococcaemia is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense headache, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningitis is characterised by the sudden onset of intense headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and a stiff neck.

There were two meningococcal infection cases last year. No case was reported in 2008. Click here for preventive tips.