A young person has died and two others are receiving treatment following a meningitis outbreak in Reading, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed. The cases involve meningococcal infection, with one confirmed as Meningitis B (MenB).
UKHSA specialists are working with local authorities and NHS partners after the three cases were identified in young people. Close contacts have been offered antibiotics as a precaution, and information about symptoms has been shared with affected schools.
Dr Rachel Mearkle, consultant in health protection, said: 'We understand that many people will be affected by this sad news. Meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread, and large outbreaks are thankfully rare.' She urged vigilance for symptoms including fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, and a rash that does not fade under a glass.
The agency noted that around 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England each year. Young people are advised to ensure vaccinations, including the MenACWY jab, are up to date, though it does not protect against all strains like MenB.
UKHSA emphasised that the risk to the wider public remains low, but everyone should be aware of meningitis symptoms regardless of vaccination status.
