‘Mutated meningitis strain’ may be driving explosive Kent outbreak | UK | News
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said the “main driver” of the Kent outbreak may have been a mutated strain of meningitis B. The technical briefing published on Tuesday summarized preliminary analysis results of the bacteria that caused a sudden increase in cases and the deaths of two young people.
The report stated: “There is a realistic possibility that the type of outbreak is the main driver of the epidemic. It is at least likely to contribute.” The number of cases under investigation related to the outbreak fell for a second day yesterday after meningitis was ruled out in six previously suspected cases. The total number of cases is now 23, of which 20 have been confirmed by laboratory tests.
No new cases were detected for the second consecutive day, raising hopes that the epidemic has reached its peak.
The UKHSA’s analysis found that the outbreak was caused by a strain of an “emerging subtype” of meningitis B that has been present in the UK since 2020.
However, experts have determined that there may be some mutations specific to this epidemic in this subtype.
These are now being evaluated to help authorities understand how bacteria might change their behavior.
Other factors that may have contributed to the explosive spread include close contact between young people in Kent, particularly those attending the Club Chemistry nightclub.
NHS Kent and Medway said 13,386 doses of antibiotics and 10,627 vaccines had been distributed as of 11am on March 24.
Professor Robin May, UKHSA’s chief scientific officer, said: “This preliminary analysis offers strong reassurance that our current vaccines and antibiotic treatment offering will be effective against this strain.
“We will continue intensive laboratory studies of the strain, in collaboration with the research community, to determine how the spread of the epidemic is affected by the bacterial strain, social or environmental conditions, and the immunity of the population.”
The meningitis B vaccination program is being expanded to include Year 11 students in schools affected by the outbreak in Kent.
