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Aussie's Dream Japan Trip Ends in Meningitis Coma
15 Apr
Summary
- A young tourist fell into a three-day coma after contracting a rare bacterial infection in Japan.
- Doctors diagnosed the infection as meningococcal B, which led to meningitis and septic shock.
- The tourist, unvaccinated against the B strain, is now recovering and urges others to get vaccinated.
A holiday in Japan took a terrifying turn for Anna Gallo, 24, on her final night when she was struck by a rare meningococcal B infection. She became delirious and was hospitalized, where doctors diagnosed her condition, which rapidly escalated to meningitis and septic shock, necessitating a medically induced coma.
Her boyfriend, Liam McDonald, stayed by her side, describing the ordeal as the worst days of his life. Doctors informed him that waiting even two more hours to seek medical attention would have been fatal. Ms. Gallo's parents were informed of her critical condition, facing the uncertainty of her survival and potential permanent brain damage.
Ms. Gallo is now recovering at Gold Coast University Hospital. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed gratitude for the care received in Japan and the relief of being able to communicate in English back in Australia. She strongly encourages everyone, especially travelers, to research and obtain vaccinations, even those not on the standard government schedule, to protect themselves and their families.
While the meningococcal C vaccine has been free in Queensland since 2003, and A, C, W, and Y vaccines since 2017, the B vaccine was only made free in 2024. Ms. Gallo's experience highlights the importance of being aware of and prepared for less common strains of infectious diseases when traveling abroad.
