RM - You are right that doctors are now more aware of the existence of the disease. The problem for doctors is the difficulty in actively diagnosing the disease under normal circumstances. The symptoms are very flu like and can be easily dismissed as flu (in our case we were sent home from hospital twice with advice to give our little boy Panadol).
Testing everyone with flu symptoms, would be nearly impossible and would place the medical system into a logjam. The only alternative is for immunisation (still only C where available) and alertness by parents, young people, and of course medical staff.
If your child has a very high temperature do not hesitate to ask the question of your doctor...
It is true the disease is still rare, but it can strike anywhere and anyone...25% of the population carries the bacteria in their throat.
There is no epidemic and panic is not required, just be aware of the disease's existence, it's uncompromising behaviour and importantly its symptoms.
We have since been blessed with another little boy who will be two years old in two weeks time. We too are trying to get immunisation for him, and we will keep trying.
