The number of meningitis cases linked to an outbreak in Kent has increased to 20, with five new confirmed infections reported on Wednesday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) described the outbreak as the fastest-growing they have ever seen, with cases concentrated among university students.
As of Tuesday, nine cases have been laboratory-confirmed, with a further 11 under investigation. Six of the confirmed cases are the meningitis B strain (MenB), the most common form of invasive meningococcal disease. All cases involve young adults, and one individual who resided in Kent presented at a London hospital with no community contacts in the capital.
Dr Thomas Waite, a deputy chief medical officer for England, said: “This is by far the quickest-growing outbreak I’ve ever seen in my career, and I think probably any of us have seen, of meningitis for a very long time.” Susan Hopkins, UKHSA chief executive, noted the “explosive nature” of the spread, calling it unprecedented in her 35-year career.
In response, UKHSA is coordinating a national effort. GPs have been advised to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who attended Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury between 5 and 7 March, and to University of Kent students who have left campus. Around 2,500 doses of antibiotics have already been administered. Additionally, 5,000 students living on the Canterbury campus will be offered vaccination.
However, Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, warned that there is no stock of MenB vaccines available privately, with no date for resupply. Health Secretary Wes Streeting told BBC Breakfast that the government is acting proactively, providing antibiotics and accelerating vaccinations to contain the outbreak.
