Meningitis B latest: Cases linked to outbreak fall as infections downgraded but experts call for ‘vigilance’

• The number of meningitis cases linked to an outbreak in Kent has decreased after some initially confirmed cases were reclassified following subsequent testing.
• As of March 21, there are 20 confirmed cases and 9 suspected cases under investigation, bringing the total to 29
• The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said cases were reclassified based on additional laboratory results and clinical investigations.
• UKHSA expects more likely cases to be downgraded in the coming days once laboratory assessments are completed
• UKHSA’s Dr. Sherine Thomas reassured the public that the risk to the wider population remains low, while emphasizing continued vigilance and the importance of knowing symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention.

NHS Kent and Medway said more than 9,078 meningitis B vaccines had been administered and 12,595 antibiotics had been distributed as of Saturday evening.

UKHSA infectious diseases advisor Dr. Sherine Thomas said on Sunday: “We continue to be alert to new cases and are working closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country to ensure that any new cases identified are responded to as quickly as possible.

“It is reassuring to see so many eligible young people coming forward for antibiotics and vaccination and we would like to thank everyone who has joined this effort so far.

“Although the risk to the wider population remains low, it is really important that people know the symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops these symptoms. UKHSA continues to work with its partners to identify contacts and offer the necessary treatment.”

The UK Health and Safety Agency said the total number of confirmed and suspected cases fell from 34 to 29 on Sunday following more testing.

Reality star Jordan Brook revealed he is battling viral meningitis in an update from his hospital bed this weekend.

The ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ star’s case is unrelated to the meningitis outbreak in Kent.

Here are the symptoms of meningitis and what to do if you suspect an infection:

The father of the 18-year-old girl who died following a meningitis outbreak in Kent had a “lovely positive energy”, her grief-stricken father said.

Juliette Kenny died on Saturday, March 14, a day after she showed the first symptoms, including vomiting and discoloration on her cheeks, her father, Michael Kenny, said.

Mr Kenny added that his daughter was “fit, healthy and strong” before her death and had completed her PE A level practical assessment days earlier.

Juliette is one of two young people who died following the meningitis B outbreak in the county.

• A deadly meningitis outbreak in Kent has resulted in 29 cases, 18 confirmed and 11 probable, all linked to the area, and two deaths have been reported.
• Kent County Council’s director of public health, Dr. Anjan Ghosh warned on Friday that meningitis clusters could occasionally emerge in homes outside Kent in the next four weeks as students incubate the travel bugs, but he expects them to be “containable”.
• He explained that meningitis requires “prolonged close contact” such as sharing utensils or kissing for transmission, making it significantly less contagious than Covid-19.

Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition calling on the government to fund the roll-out of meningitis B vaccines for 16 to 23-year-olds.

Marrissa Mullans, whose 18-year-old son Alfie Jake Mullans died of men in 2023, said young people “have the right to live” and no parent should have to lose a child.

He is calling for a catch-up vaccination program for 16 to 23-year-olds who were too old to be eligible for the jab when it was introduced on the NHS in 2015.

Lisa Snowdon recalled nearly dying from meningitis after ignoring symptoms for weeks and said she was still suffering from side effects 16 years later.

Snowdon, 54, contracted a viral strain of the disease in 2010.

Health Minister Wes Streeting praised the “Herculean efforts” to protect people from the Kent meningitis outbreak and care for those affected.

He offered his condolences to the families of the two students who died in the outbreak and said his thoughts were with those in the hospital “fighting this terrible disease.”

In a statement on Sunday, he said: “It has been an incredibly difficult week for those affected and those working on the frontline of this pandemic.

“As we face another challenging week, I wanted to pay tribute to the incredible efforts of everyone who is working tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe.”