Two young people die as meningitis cases rise to 13 in Canterbury area, UKHSA says
Two young people have died following a meningitis outbreak linked to a cluster in the Canterbury area of Kent, as health officials confirm 13 people with signs and symptoms since Friday.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had been notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis between Friday and yesterday in and around Canterbury. Some students at the University of Kent have been given antibiotics as a precaution while specialists work to identify the specific strain and trace contacts.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis,” a university spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.”
A school pupil has also died. The student, who attended Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, is understood to have died on Saturday.
UKHSA said specialists are interviewing affected individuals and their families “to help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread.” The agency has not yet identified the strain involved.
Meningitis can affect anyone but is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults, and it can spread quickly in settings such as universities and colleges. Health authorities urged students and staff to remain alert to early warning signs.
“Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet,” said Trish Mannes, a UKHSA regional deputy director. “Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass. Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.”
The HSE says people should consider meningitis and septicaemia if symptoms such as a high temperature of 38C or above, a rash or spots (which may be harder to see on brown or Black skin), vomiting, headache, a stiff neck, aches or pains including stomach, joint or muscle pain, fast breathing, sensitivity to bright light, cold hands and feet or pale, mottled skin (which may also be harder to see on brown or Black skin), and seizures are present. Other warning signs can include confusion, drowsiness, difficulty waking up, irritability and a lack of energy.
Babies may show different symptoms, including refusing feeds or not taking their usual feed, agitation, not wanting to be picked up, a bulging soft spot on the head (fontanelle), an unusual high-pitched cry, a stiff body, or being floppy and unresponsive.
UKHSA reiterated that close contacts identified through its investigations will be offered antibiotics to help limit further spread. The agency’s work is ongoing in the Canterbury and Faversham communities, alongside the University of Kent and local schools.
Further updates are expected as public health teams confirm the strain involved and complete contact tracing.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
