A third student has become ill with meningococcal disease after attending a school formal in southwest Sydney.
The students were at the Year 12 formal for Aquinas College, Menai, on November 19.
They are in a stable condition and receiving antibiotics in hospital, after being diagnosed with the illness that can cause potentially fatal meningitis and septicaemia.
South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health Service is now contacting all students who attended the formal so they can be provided with clearance antibiotics, spokesman Mark Ferson said in a statement on Monday.
Professor Ferson said the risk of others developing meningococcal disease is low, but urged those who attended the formal to be aware of any signs or symptoms of the disease.
"About 10 per cent of the population carry meningococcal bacteria at the back of the nose and throat without showing any illness or symptoms," he said.
Symptoms to look out for include a combination of sudden onset of fever, nausea and vomiting, neck stiffness, tiredness, sore joints and muscles.
Headache and an aversion to bright lights are other symptoms.
Very early symptoms may include leg pain, cold hands and feet, and abnormal skin colour.
"A pin-prick rash may appear anywhere on the skin and can quickly change into large red purple blotches which do not disappear with light pressure on the skin," Prof Ferson said.
Anyone with such symptoms should see a doctor immediately.
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