Context
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) in Kent. Investigations have confirmed that some of the cases are group B meningococcal disease. Latest updates on number of cases associated with the outbreak will be made available daily by the UKHSA on this webpage.
UKHSA is coordinating a national response to the outbreak. This does not mean a national NHS incident has been declared. A national incident is a formal operational status used when the health service is under significant system-wide pressure, which is not the case with this outbreak. NHS services continue to operate as normal.
It’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives. Early symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses such as a cold, flu or hangover and students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs. If you or anyone you know develops any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency. Knowing the signs and taking early treatment can be lifesaving.
Spotting the signs
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.
Vaccination information
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. The MenB vaccine has been available on the NHS as part of routine childhood immunisations since 2015, and so those aged over 10 have not received it as part of the routine schedule.
Current incident management response
Antibiotics continue to be the most effective measure to limit the spread of invasive meningococcal disease, with more than 2,500 doses already provided to students, close contacts, and others, including individuals who attended Club Chemistry between 5 and 7 March. GPs nationwide are being advised to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited the club during those dates, as well as University of Kent students instructed to seek preventative treatment. This is so that anyone who has travelled home, or away from Kent, can easily access this important preventative treatment close to them.
In response to the seriousness of the outbreak, a targeted vaccination programme will also begin for residents of the Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent, with up to 5,000 students expected to be contacted initially and offered the vaccine. UKHSA will continue to assess ongoing risk to other populations and the programme may be extended.