UK races to contain meningitis outbreak in Kent after two deaths
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UK health officials have administered around 2,500 doses of antibiotics across sites in Kent, amid an outbreak of meningitis in the south-east England county.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Kent, UK, faces "unprecedented" meningitis outbreak with 20 cases, mainly young adults, and two deaths. Most cases link to Canterbury's Club Chemistry nightclub.
- UKHSA administered 2,500 antibiotics and starts targeted MenB vaccination for 5,000 University of Kent students. Symptoms include fever, headache, and rash.
- University students face higher meningitis risk from mixing. UKHSA and NHS are working together; vaccination may extend as the situation is reviewed.
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LONDON – Five new cases of meningitis have been found in Kent in south-east England, Britain said on March 18, taking the total to 20 in what has been called an “unprecedented” outbreak that has already killed two young people.
All of those affected who are now linked to the outbreak are young adults, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
A 21-year-old student at the University of Kent and a teenage student at a school in the town of Faversham have died.
The agency said it was also aware of a baby with confirmed meningococcal group B infection who was not currently linked to the outbreak.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the outbreak as “unprecedented” in terms of its spread.
Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet, the agency said.
Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.
Young people going to university or college for the first time are particularly at risk of meningitis because they mix with other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
The majority of cases were linked to the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury between March 5 and 7, Mr Streeting said.
The UKHSA said it had administered around 2,500 doses of antibiotics across sites in Kent.
“As a further precaution and together with the NHS (National Health Service), we are beginning to roll out a targeted MenB vaccination programme,” Ms Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the south-east, said on March 18.
“This will initially be offered to 5,000 University of Kent students resident at the Canterbury campus, with the possibility that it may be extended, as it is kept under continual review.” REUTERS
People queueing to receive antibiotics on the University of Kent campus on March 18.
PHOTO: REUTERS
