A woman has died of meningococcal disease in the Northern Territory, the Department of Health has confirmed.
The woman, from a remote Top End community, became unwell on July 31 and was airlifted to Royal Darwin Hospital, but died on Thursday.
A second woman in the urban Darwin area was also diagnosed with the disease, a spokesperson said, but has since made a full recovery and was discharged from hospital.
The Department of Health said the women did not come into contact with each other and the cases were unrelated.
Both women were diagnosed with the meningococcal W (MenW) strain.
The Centre for Disease Control said appropriate public health action had been taken in both cases, ensuring that clearance antibiotics and meningococcal ACWY vaccinations were provided to family members.
"Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but very serious disease," a Department of Health spokesperson said in a statement.
"It is treatable with antibiotics, but the infection can progress very quickly.
"It is important for people to be aware of the symptoms and to seek medical advice early for either themselves or their children if they have any concerns."
Symptoms include fever, headache, neck stiffness, an aversion to bright lights, a rash and joint pain.
Those affected may also have vomiting and diarrhoea and be difficult to wake up, and babies may refuse food and drink and have a high-pitched cry.
The meningococcal ACWY vaccination was introduced in the immunisation schedule for all children at 12 months in the Northern Territory in December 2017.
About 75 per cent of children have received the vaccination to date.
The department said the incidents were not related to an outbreak in Central Australia last year, when more than 25 cases of the disease were recorded.
A young child died of the meningococcal B strain in Darwin last year.
