CASES of meningococcal disease in Kent, UK, have risen to 20, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed today.
As of 5pm on Tuesday, nine laboratory cases are confirmed and 11 notifications remain under investigation by UKHSA.
Six of the confirmed cases have been identified as group B meningococcal disease.
One individual who had resided in Kent has presented to a London hospital with no community contacts in the capital.
These updates comes amid an outbreak of meningitis and septicaemia in the Canterbury area in which two people have reportedly died.
There have been no further deaths as of today.
All of those affected currently linked to the outbreak are young adults, UKHSA reported this morning.
UKHSA confirmed they know of a baby with Meningococcal group B infection who is not currently linked to the outbreak, but investigation continues.
Antibiotic Rollout
Antibiotics are the most effective treatment to limit the spread of invasive meningococcal disease, UKHSA submitted.
So far, 2,500 doses of antibiotics have been given to students, close contacts, and others including some of those who attended Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury between 5th–7th March.
GPs are today being advised by UKHSA to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited Club Chemistry at the relevant dates and to University of Kent students who have been asked to seek preventative treatment.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said: “This is the main intervention that will help protect people and halt the spread of the outbreak.
“As a further precaution and together with the NHS, we are beginning to roll out a targeted MenB vaccination programme.”
Targeted Vaccination Programme
Today’s statement from the UKHSA said: “Given the severity of the outbreak, and as an additional precautionary measure, a targeted vaccination programme will begin, starting with students that are residents of the Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent who will be contacted directly.”
Up to 5,000 students will initially be contacted and offered the vaccine, but this programme could be extended as UKHSA continues to assess ongoing risk.
National Response Coordination
UKHSA is coordinating a national response to the outbreak, it reported.
A national NHS incident, a formal operational status used when the health service is under immense system-wide pressure, has not been declared.
Mannes urged anyone with symptoms of meningitis to seek early medical intervention, through a GP or calling NHS 111.
She continued: “Seeking early treatment can save lives.”
Featured image: Tamer on Adobe Stock
