The number of cases in the Kent meningitis outbreak has risen to 29, with 18 confirmed and 11 probable cases as of Thursday, according to the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA). Of the confirmed cases, 13 are meningitis B. While only two new cases were reported on Friday, suggesting the outbreak may have peaked, the situation remains serious, with all cases requiring hospital admission.
UKHSA has administered 2,360 vaccinations and 9,840 doses of antibiotics in response to the outbreak. Experts are analysing the MenB strain to determine if it has become more transmissible or virulent. Prof Robin May, UKHSA's chief scientific officer, noted that the bacteria's genome is about 100 times larger than that of Covid-19, making analysis complex.
Initial genetic analysis indicates that the Bexsero vaccine currently being offered in Kent should provide protection against the outbreak strain. The strain belongs to group B meningococci, sequence type 485, part of the larger clonal complex ST-41/44, which has been circulating in the UK for around five years.
The family of Juliette Kenny, a teenager who died from the disease on 14 March, described their “immeasurable loss”. Her father, Michael Kenny, urged routine meningitis B vaccination for teenagers and young people, saying, “No family should experience this pain and tragedy.”
Experts suggest the outbreak may be waning due to extensive contact tracing and vaccination efforts. Prof Paul Hunter of Norwich Medical School said the peak from the initial super-spreading event has likely passed, though secondary cases remain possible. Dr Michael Head of the University of Southampton added that the strain's good vaccine coverage is reassuring.
