U.K. meningitis outbreak worsens, chief medical advisor calls it ‘unprecedented’
Global News
The U.K. Health Security Agency described the event as 'rapidly evolving' and warned of the potential for further cases.
An outbreak of meningitis B in the U.K. that has killed a university and a high school student in southeast England is “unprecedented,” said Britain’s chief medical advisor.
The number of confirmed cases of invasive meningitis in Canterbury has risen to 20, with the majority of infections among students at the University of Kent, where a targeted vaccination and antibiotic program has commenced.
A 21-year-old university student and a girl identified as Juliette, a student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, have died in the outbreak.
Five schools in the county have confirmed cases of the disease, the BBC reported.
According to the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in Kent, as of 5 p.m. on March 17, nine laboratory-confirmed cases had been reported and 11 remained under investigation.
Six of the confirmed cases are group B meningococcal disease.
The agency described the event as “rapidly evolving” and warned of the potential for further cases.
Antibiotics are the most effective treatment for limiting the spread of the disease. So far, more than 2,500 doses have been given to students, close contacts and others, the agency added. About 5,000 students living in university accommodation will be offered a vaccine, which should help prevent further spread of the disease.
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