Do you know the top 10 causes of death worldwide?

According to the World Health Organisation, of the 56.9 million deaths worldwide in 2016, more than half (54%) were due to the top 10 causes. Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the world�s biggest killers, accounting for a combined 15.2 million deaths in 2016. These diseases have remained the leading causes of death globally in the last 15 years.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease claimed 3.0 million lives in 2016, while lung cancer (along with trachea and bronchus cancers) caused 1.7 million deaths. Diabetes killed 1.6 million people in 2016, up from less than 1 million in 2000. Deaths due to dementias more than doubled between 2000 and 2016, making it the 5th leading cause of global deaths in 2016 compared to 14th in 2000.

Read the WHO article here to discover what the remaining top causes of death around the globe are.

Invasive Meningococcal Disease

As August and September are peak months for invasive meningococcal disease,  GPs should be alert for meningococcal symptoms in all age groups.

There has been a significant increase in invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by serogroup W (MenW) and serogroup Y in NSW since 2013.

While MenW notifications decreased in NSW following the introduction of the vaccination program in 2017, the number of cases remain high compared to the period before 2015.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease are non-specific but may include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, joint pain, a rash of red-purple spots or bruises, dislike of bright lights, nausea and vomiting.

NSW Health is offering meningococcal ACWY vaccine (Men ACWY) to Year 10 and 11 students through schools in 2018 and to Year 10 students in 2019.

GPs can offer free Men ACWY to any 15-19 year olds who have not been vaccinated at school until 31 December 2018. Find out more information here on North Coast Primary Health Network.

For more information on meningococcal disease please visit Meningococcal disease for health professionals