UK races to contain meningitis outbreak in Kent after two deaths

LONDON, March 18 (Reuters) – Five new cases of meningitis have been found in Kent in southeast England, Britain said on Wednesday, 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 currently 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 on 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 5-7 March, 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, we are beginning to roll out a targeted MenB vaccination programme,” Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said on Wednesday.

“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.”

(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Kate Holton)