The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent with 13 cases notified since 13 March. Sadly, this includes 2 people who are known to have died.
Investigations have confirmed some of the cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 to 7 March prior to becoming unwell. UKHSA’s health protection team is working closely with the nightclub and partners including the University of Kent to limit the spread.
UKHSA is now advising anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5 March, 6 March or 7 March to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure. This can be collected from the following sites:
- Senate Building at University of Kent, CT2 7NZ – open until 8pm on Monday 16 March (queue closes 7.15pm) and from 9am to 8pm on Tuesday 17 March.
- Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG – open until 8pm on Monday 16 March and planned to open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
- Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
- Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Margate Northwood Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30 pm on Tuesday 17 March.
Advice has been issued to 16,000 staff and students at the University of Kent, where antibiotics are also being offered to those who need them.
Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly. Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia 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 with a glass.
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.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said: Our thoughts remain with the friends and family involved and we understand that many people in the university and wider community will be affected by this sad news.
“Our investigations have identified that some cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury and it is important that anyone who visited the club between 5 and 7 March now comes forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precaution, as well as those offered antibiotics at the university – these students are being contacted directly through the university.
“If you think you may have symptoms of meningitis, do not hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”
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.
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY. It 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, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the deaths following the reported outbreak of meningitis in Kent. Our heartfelt thoughts are with their families, friends and the surrounding communities at this incredibly difficult time.
We urge students, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, cold hands and feet, limb pain, and, in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure.
Symptoms can appear suddenly and be easily mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even a hangover, so it is vital that anyone who is concerned seeks urgent medical help immediately.
At Meningitis Now, we are here for anyone who needs information, guidance or someone to talk to during what can be a frightening and uncertain time.
You can find more information from https://bit.ly/4rAHm1x or by calling our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388, open Monday to Friday.
Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now says: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of two young people following the reported outbreak of meningitis linked to the University of Kent and schools local to Canterbury. Our heartfelt thoughts are with their families, friends and the entire community at this incredibly difficult time.
“Meningitis can progress very quickly and its impact is devastating, particularly for young people and their loved ones. University students and young adults are among the groups at increased risk because they are more likely to carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis, and because bacteria can spread more easily in settings where students and young people live, study and socialise closely together.
“We urge students, young people, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, cold hands and feet, limb pain, and, in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure.
“Symptoms can appear suddenly and can easily be mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even the after-effects of a night out, so it is vital that anyone who is concerned seeks urgent medical help immediately.
We welcome the swift response from the UK Health Security Agency to identify close contacts and provide precautionary antibiotics where needed. Rapid public health action is crucial in helping to reduce the risk of further cases. We are offering our support and resources to the university, schools and wider community to help in any way we can.
“At Meningitis Now we are here to support anyone affected by meningitis, whether they are directly affected themselves, supporting a loved one, or dealing with the aftermath of the disease. Our support services are available to anyone who needs information, guidance or someone to talk to during what can be a frightening and uncertain time. You can find our more information from www.meningitisnow.org or by calling our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388, open Monday to Friday.
“Meningitis can affect anyone, but it is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Vaccination is the only way of preventing certain types of meningitis, and many students will have had the MenACWY vaccination at school. However, it is important for teenagers and young adults to be aware that they are unlikely to have been vaccinated against one of the most common causes of meningitis in this age group, which is MenB. We encourage everyone to check that they and their families are up to date with the vaccines available to them and to be aware of the signs and symptoms too.
“This tragic situation is a stark reminder of why our “No Plan B for MenB” campaign is calling for greater protection against meningococcal group B, or MenB, disease. MenB is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in the UK and can strike suddenly with life-changing consequences.
“Since 2015 only infants have been vaccinated against MenB and we believe all teenagers and young adults should be protected by this vaccine on the NHS. Currently the vaccine is only available privately through high-street and supermarket pharmacies.
“If anyone is worried about symptoms, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help. Acting quickly can save lives.”