The United Kingdom is facing a fresh meningitis outbreak after a cluster of cases in Reading resulted in one fatality and two individuals requiring medical treatment. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the cases on Thursday, just weeks after a similar outbreak in Kent claimed two lives and sickened several others.
Latest Meningitis Cases in Reading
One of the cases detected in Reading has been identified as meningitis B, the same strain responsible for the Kent cluster. The deceased student attended Henley College in Oxfordshire. UKHSA officials stated that close contacts are being offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure, emphasizing that the risk to the wider public remains low.
Who Is at Risk?
Meningitis can affect individuals of any age, but babies, young children, teenagers, and university students are considered among the most vulnerable groups. This heightened risk is attributed to close contact in schools, nurseries, and shared accommodations.
Types of Meningococcal Disease
There are several strains of meningococcal disease, including MenB, MenC, MenW, and MenY. Vaccines are available to protect against some of the most serious strains.
Full List of Meningitis Symptoms
Meningitis symptoms can appear suddenly and in any order, according to the NHS. Some symptoms may not appear at all. When bacteria causing meningitis enter the bloodstream, they can trigger an overwhelming immune response, leading to life-threatening sepsis. The NHS advises seeking medical help immediately if you are concerned about yourself or your child.
Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:
- a high temperature
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- confusion
- breathing quickly
- muscle and joint pain
- pale, mottled, or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- fits (seizures)
Babies may also exhibit the following signs:
- refuse feeds
- be irritable
- have a high-pitched cry
- have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive
- have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head
Someone with meningitis or sepsis can deteriorate very quickly.
Meningitis Rash: What to Know
While meningitis is often associated with a rash, not everyone with the illness will develop one. In some cases, a rash may only appear in later stages, and early marks can sometimes fade when pressure is applied. Health experts caution that people should not rely solely on the presence of a rash when looking for signs of meningitis, as symptoms can vary from person to person.
How Meningitis Is Spread
Meningitis can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person. This includes:
- contact with the person's saliva, such as kissing them or sharing drinks or vapes
- being in close contact with the person for extended periods, such as living in the same home
The infection is usually spread by individuals who carry the viruses or bacteria that cause meningitis in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be spread by someone with meningitis, though this is less common.
Meningitis Vaccines Available in the UK
Several vaccinations are available in the UK to protect against meningitis. Children should receive most of these as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. Parents unsure if their child's vaccinations are up to date should contact their GP.
The MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, a common cause of meningitis in young children in the UK. It is recommended for babies at 8 weeks, with a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year.
Other vaccines that offer some protection include the 6-in-1 vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, MMRV vaccine, and MenACWY vaccine. More information about each vaccine is available on the NHS website.
