People are being urged to get vaccinated against meningococcal disease following a death in Waikato.
Meningococcal disease can cause an infection around the brain and blood poisoning.
Health NZ Waikato medical officer of health Dr Kate Meerkerk said it was more common in children, teenagers and young adults.
She confirmed the latest death was a young adult in the region.
"Our thoughts are with the person's whānau and loved ones during this difficult time."
She said the meningococcal B vaccine was free for babies and children under five years old.
It was also free for those between the age of 13 and 25 in their first year of certain close-living situations - such as boarding school hostels, halls of residence, military barracks, youth justice facilities and prisons.
"It is important that people know the symptoms and seek medical attention early if they are concerned," said Dr Meerkerk.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and confusion. The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may seem like the flu or a cold, but the symptoms will usually get worse quickly, with some people suddenly becoming very unwell, sometimes in just a few hours.
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