The UK Health Security Agency is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.

As of 5pm on 18 March, 15 laboratory cases are confirmed and 12 notifications remain under investigation, bringing the total to 27. Sadly, 2 people have died, with no further deaths since the last update. Notified cases are released on a daily basis.

Preventative antibiotic treatment continues to be given to University of Kent students, and to anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 and 7 March, as well as to close contacts of those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningococcal disease.

To ensure that these can be easily accessed by anyone who has since travelled home or away from Kent, antibiotics are available from GPs across the country to anyone who has been asked to seek preventative treatment.

Currently, cases have been confirmed in students at 4 schools in Kent, as well as one student at a higher education institution in London (who is confirmed to be directly linked to the outbreak).

While preventative antibiotic treatment remains the most important measure in controlling the outbreak, a targeted MenB vaccination programme is also being introduced for longer term protection. A vaccination programme has started for students and staff who live in or work in the halls at the University of Kent Canterbury Campus - approximately 5,000 students.

The vaccination programme will be expanded as required as UKHSA continues to assess any ongoing risk to other population groups. 

While2 doses of the MenB vaccine helps protect individuals from getting ill with the disease, it does not prevent people from carrying and spreading the bacteria in the community. This programme is therefore being targeted towards those identified as potentially being at ongoing increased risk of exposure.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said:

Two doses of the MenB vaccine helps protect individuals against meningococcal B disease. It is important to know that the MenB vaccine does not protect against all strains of meningococcal disease, nor against all infections that can cause meningitis. It also does not prevent the bacteria from being carried and spread in the community. 

It is therefore still hugely important that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease, and that they seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops these signs and symptoms.

If you have been offered preventative antibiotics, it is strongly recommended that you take them promptly. If you are a student at the University of Kent who is eligible but has since returned home, contact your local GP, who will be able to provide advice and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The risk to the wider population remains low. UKHSA continues to actively trace and offer preventative antibiotics to those in close contact with cases.

Further information about the vaccination programme can be found in the recent UKHSA blog.

Background

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis.

The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.

Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:

  • a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
  • sudden onset of high fever
  • severe and worsening headache
  • stiff neck
  • vomiting and diarrhoea
  • joint and muscle pain
  • dislike of bright lights
  • very cold hands and feet
  • seizures
  • confusion/delirium
  • extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

Young people going on to university or college for the first time are particularly at risk of meningitis because they newly mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.

There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningococcal infection. Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives. 

Further information on meningococcal disease

Further information on meningococcal disease

For more information, you can visit our Resources page or for updated news from the UK Health Security Agency, please click here.