Health authorities in England are investigating a rapidly developing meningitis outbreak centred on the University of Kent, with 20 cases reported as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17th. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that nine laboratory cases have been confirmed, while 11 remain under investigation. Six of the confirmed cases are identified as the meningitis B strain.
The outbreak has already claimed the lives of two young people: an 18-year-old school student from Kent and a 21-year-old university student. Meningitis is a potentially deadly infection affecting the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, most commonly striking young children, teenagers, and young adults.
In Parliament, Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the “rapidly developing situation” as “an unprecedented outbreak.”
In response to the crisis, GPs across the country have been instructed to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited nightclubs in Canterbury between March 5th and 7th, as well as students from the university. Authorities are acting to ensure that anyone who may have left campus receives prompt medical attention.
According to England’s deputy chief medical officer, Dr Thomas Waite,
This is by far the quickest-growing outbreak I’ve ever seen in my career, and I think probably any of us have seen meningitis for a very long time. Whilst it remains an outbreak that is having its consequences in Kent, it is obviously of national significance.
