Kent meningitis outbreak has been contained, health officials believe
There is growing confidence that the 20 people diagnosed with the illness have not infected anyone outside the area
TL;DR
- Health officials believe the meningitis outbreak in Kent is contained, with all known cases linked to an original cluster of 20.
- The causative agent has been identified as a known strain of meningitis B, making the MenB vaccine a likely effective match.
- Vaccination and antibiotic distribution are underway for 5,000 students at the University of Kent in Canterbury.
- One case became unwell in London and another in France, but both had recently visited Canterbury.
- Canterbury Christ Church University confirmed one case, believed to be part of the original 20.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated there is ample MenB vaccine stock, but pharmacy organizations challenged this, reporting shortages and patient abuse.
- Streeting has asked for re-examination of MenB vaccine eligibility beyond babies, considering an evidence-based approach.
- The UKHSA alerted NHS doctors to meningitis symptoms and protective measures, noting the severe and rapid deterioration in the Kent outbreak.