A fourth person has been diagnosed with meningitis B following an outbreak in Reading, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed. The affected individual is a pupil at Westwood Farm Junior School and is currently recovering well.
Details of the Latest Case
Dr Rachel Mearkle, a consultant in health protection at UKHSA, stated: “A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in Reading. This fourth case has links with the same wider social network as the other cases, where measures, including antibiotic prophylaxis, have already been implemented.”
She added that information has been shared with parents and carers at the school to advise them of the signs and symptoms to look out for. Dr Mearkle emphasised: “The risk to the wider public remains low and this case is not linked to the incidents in Kent or Dorset.”
Ongoing Response
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Antibiotic prophylaxis has been provided to close contacts to prevent further spread. The UKHSA urges anyone experiencing symptoms such as a high fever, headache, stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade under pressure to seek medical attention immediately.
