This is the first case of meningococcal B to be found in the ACT since 2016.

While some Canberrans are eligible for a free meningococcal ACWY strains vaccine, meningococcal B vaccines are only available in the private market.

There was money in the ACT budget to look at expanding the vaccination program to include a locally funded meningococcal B vaccination trial.

Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly said the government was currently looking at that possibility, but fell short of supporting a potential program.

He said the teenager presented to the emergency department with a headache, fever and general body pain.

Dr Kelly said immediate action was taken once the case was notified.

"ACT Health has taken appropriate public health action in relation to this case, in accordance with national guidelines," Dr Kelly said.

"Action taken includes the provision of antibiotics to people who have been in close contact with the person and information about meningococcal disease to those at low-risk as contacts.

"Meningococcal disease is rare, but it can be severe, leading to life-long complications or death. It can cause meningitis and/or bactaeremia – an infection of the blood."

The teenager who contracted the strain is recovering in hospital and was due to be discharged on Monday.

Dr Kelly said the teenager was not vaccinated against meningococcal B, but had been vaccinated against a different strain as an infant.

Dr Kelly said in more recent years, the dominant disease-causing strains in the ACT and nationally have been meningococcal W and Y. He said young adults and older teenagers were at a higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease.

"People in these age groups are more likely to carry bacteria in their nose and throat, and more likely to spread the bacteria to others," Dr Kelly said.

"That’s why we are targeting young people aged 16 to 19 with a catch-up program for the meningococcal ACWY vaccine."

He said the case prompted ACT Health to release a new video, targeting young people and educating them as to why getting vaccinated against meningococcal was important.

“It’s also why earlier this year we rolled out the program to Year 10 students in schools and, starting this week, we will be extending it to all Year 11 and 12 students.”

Young people aged 16 to 19 who have yet to receive the meningococcal vaccine can also get the free vaccine through their GP until the end of the year.

Meningococcal symptoms usually develop very quickly over a few hours. Dr Kelly said it was extremely important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

More information about meningococcal disease can be found here.