Meningitis outbreak in Reading leaves one student dead and two other people needing treatment
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that a student has died and two teenagers are receiving treatment following a meningitis outbreak in Reading.
One of the confirmed cases is meningitis B (MenB), the same strain linked to fatal cases in Kent earlier this year.
Precautionary antibiotics are recommended for close contacts, but the agency reassures the public that the risk is low.
In a statement on Thursday, the UKHSA said experts were “working with local authorities and NHS partners following three cases of meningococcal infection (meningitis) in young people in Reading”.
Hart Surgery in Henley-on-Thames confirmed that the deceased student was studying at Henley College in Oxfordshire.
“Dear patients. We have contacted the UK Health Safety Agency this morning (14 May) regarding the very sad news that a student at Henley College has died with suspected meningococcal disease,” the GP’s practice said in a statement.
“They confirmed that they were actively contacting those who may be at risk due to close association with the student.
“Unless you have been contacted by the UK Health Security Agency, you do not currently require any treatment. Staff and students have been told they can attend university as usual.
“The number of confirmed cases is very low, so there are currently no plans for a local emergency meningitis vaccination programme.”
Two students died in a meningitis outbreak in Kent in March: 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, who was described by her family as “fit, healthy and strong” before her death, and a University of Kent student.
Health protection consultant Dr. Rachel Mearkle said: “We understand that many people will be affected by this sad news and would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of this student.
“Students and staff will naturally be concerned about the possibility of further cases arising, but very close contact is required for meningococcal meningitis to spread and large outbreaks such as the one we saw recently in Kent are thankfully rare.
“We are working closely with partners and have provided public health advice and preventative antibiotic treatment to close contacts of cases.
“Meningococcal disease does not spread easily and the risk to the general population remains low.”
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: “Everyone at Meningitis Now is deeply saddened and concerned to hear reports of a suspected outbreak of meningitis affecting young people in and around Reading, including the tragic death of a teenager.
“We urge people to be careful and aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. Meningitis can very quickly become life-threatening and early diagnosis and treatment is absolutely vital.”
Symptoms can occur “in any order,” according to Dr Nutt, and can include high fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, confusion, lethargy, cold hands and feet, severe muscle pain and a rash that won’t go away under pressure.
“Teenagers and young adults are among the groups most at risk of meningococcal disease and the recent outbreak in Kent has shown how quickly cases can occur,” he added.
