A university student has died from meningococcal disease on the New South Wales Central Coast — the region's second death from the illness in as many months.
Mischelle Rhodes,19, died in Gosford Hospital last week but her death was only confirmed by authorities today.
The Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) said the strain of the bacteria that killed the teenager was yet to be identified.
CCLHD director of public health Peter Lewis offered his condolences to Ms Rhodes's family.
"Our thoughts are with the family of this young woman at this tragic time," he said.
Dr Lewis said antibiotics had been prescribed to her close contacts to reduce the risk of the disease being spread.
There was no known link between this case and the death of a 38-year old local woman from the W strain of the disease in late July, according to the CCLHD.
A spokesperson said there would be a review of the case, as part of the district's standard processes.
The Central Coast recorded one meningococcal death last year and four cases in 2016.
Dr Lewis said meningococcal was "very uncommon in NSW" but warned anyone who developed symptoms to seek immediate medical advice.
These included sudden fever, headaches, neck stiffness, joint pain or a rash of red-purple spots.
