A report has uncovered recently that a boy suffering from severe meningococcal disease is now in a firm condition. The boy from Queensland, 6, is one of the 33 people, who have contracted the deadly illness this year.

Queensland Health, which is investigating the disease outbreak, has found that the boy was being treated at Brisbane's Royal Children's Hospital, where he was shifted on Sunday.

Though the illness does not expand easily, concerns about the same have been raised amongst health officials. Thus, anyone who had come in contact with the boy, when infected, is being offered proper antibiotics to ensure his/her well-being.

The disease caused by meningococcal bacteria is spread during coughing or sneezing, says the report, via droplets released from nose or throat. It is thus that Dr. Jeannette Young, state's chief health officer, has been recommending anyone with symptoms, including joint pains, vomiting, fevers or rashes, to see a doctor sooner as possible.

However, it can be cured if diagnosed on time, but can sometimes prove to be fatal as is found without any symptoms in some 10% people. "It is important to emphasize that this is not a virus, and it does not spread easily”, says Dr. Young.