Health chiefs issue meningitis warning as students come home for holidays
Two students have died after the outbreak at the University of Kent
Health chiefs in the region have issued a warning after students from the University of Kent started returning home for the Easter break this weekend.
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board acknowledges that some students may have returned home to the region.
The current outbreak has seen 30 young people hospitalised, with two confirmed deaths so far.
The Kent outbreak is being driven by a highly transmissible strain of meningococcal group B bacteria in a setting with intense close contact – notably a suspected “super‑spreader” event at a Canterbury nightclub and subsequent spread among students in shared accommodation
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board says GPs have been asked to prescribe preventative antibiotics to University of Kent student that has been asked to seek preventative treatment, anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury – the epicentre of the outbreak – on March 5, 6, or 7, or anyone who has been in close contact with someone who meets the criteria.
Parents are being urged to keep an eye out for symptoms of meningococcal disease and septicaemia and to seek urgent medical attention if symptoms develop – even if they have already received antibiotics.
Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999.
Early treatment, they say, can be lifesaving.
Trish Mannes, of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “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.
“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.
“That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them.
“This could save their life.”