Meningitis outbreak: symptoms to look out for and where to get a vaccine after two die in Kent
Meningitis is a serious infection that can spread quickly 🚨
- Two people have died following a meningitis outbreak in Kent.
- More than 30,000 people in the Canterbury area are being contacted about the outbreak.
- Meningitis is a serious infection that can cause dangerous complications, including sepsis.
A student and a pupil have died after an outbreak of “invasive” meningitis in Kent.
Latest figures from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) show that between Friday (March 13) and Sunday (March 15), there were 13 confirmed cases of meningitis and septicaemia, with two of those people known to have died.
More than 30,000 people in the Canterbury area are being contacted by UKHSA about the outbreak. Whilst hundreds of students at the University of Kent have been queuing to receive precautionary antibiotics.
Young people attending university or college for the first time are more at risk of catching meningitis, as they mix with many students, some of whom may be unknowingly carrying the bacteria.
Anyone who becomes unwell with symptoms of meningitis has been urged to seek medical treatment immediately.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said: “We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news, and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved.
“Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Advice and support is being offered to the wider student community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.”
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Anyone can develop meningitis, but it is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults.
If not treated quickly, it can cause serious and life-threatening complications, including damage to the brain or nerves and sepsis.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
The symptoms of meningitis can come on suddenly. If you suspect you have meningitis, do not wait for every symptom to appear or for a rash to develop; it’s important you seek medical care urgently.
The signs of meningitis, according to the NHS, can include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
If you think someone you know may have symptoms or has been exposed to meningitis, it’s vital to seek medical treatment immediately by calling 999 for an ambulance or attending your nearest A&E department.
What does a meningitis rash look like?
The meningitis rash often begins as small, red pinpricks before spreading quickly and developing into red or purple blotches.
The glass test checks if a rash could be a sign of meningitis. Press a clear glass firmly against the skin affected by the rash. If the rash doesn’t fade under pressure, seek medical help immediately.
How meningitis is spread
Meningitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, which can be spread through coughing, kissing or sneezing. In less common cases, it can be caught from someone who has meningitis.
Trish said: “Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.
“Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover. That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them. This could save their life.”
What is the meningitis vaccine?
There are five vaccines available that can protect against meningitis. The one you are eligible for will depend on your age and whether or not you missed any previous vaccinations.
These are the meningitis vaccinations available outlined by the NHS:
- MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year
- 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to children at eight weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months
- pneumococcal vaccine – two doses offered to babies at 16 weeks and one year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over
- MMRV vaccine – offered to children at 12 months and 18 months
- MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time.
How to get the meningitis vaccine in the UK?
If you missed getting the meningitis vaccine during childhood, you can still access a vaccine as an adult. The MenACWY vaccine is usually given to teenagers during school when they’re 13 or 14 years old, but it is still available up to the age of 25 and can be accessed through your GP surgery.
You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of meningitis and how to access the meningitis vaccine on NHS.UK.