Health Secretary shares warning about how ‘unprecedented’ meningitis could be spreading
The UK's Health Secretary has said that snogging and sharing vapes could be facilitating the spread of the 'serious and particularly lethal' strain of meningitis which is doing the rounds.
The 'unprecedented' outbreak in Kent has sadly already claimed the lives of two young people and another 15 are currently in hospital.
It has been confirmed that four of these patients are infected with meningococcal B - which is the rarer, but far more sinister, sister of viral meningitis.
Known as MenB, this is an infection which attacks the 'protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord', according to the NHS.
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It can lead to sepsis, as well as permanent damage to the brain or nerves, or even death. It is extremely important to be aware of the symptoms of this deadly condition, as receiving treatment as speedily as possible is crucial.
Signs of meningitis include a high temperature, vomiting, headache, a rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it, a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, drowsiness or unresponsiveness and seizures.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the House of Commons today (17 March) that these symptoms can be 'easily mistaken for common conditions' or a hangover.
"This is an unprecedented outbreak," he said. "It is also a rapidly developing situation."
While speaking to concerned MPs about how the government intends to curtail transmissions of MenB, Streeting shared a warning about how the deadly strain might be spreading.
"It doesn't spread very easily," he said. "The bacteria is passed to others after a long period of close contact, for example, living with someone in shared accommodation, through prolonged kissing or sharing vapes and drinks."
Streeting urged those who suspect they may have been in close contact with someone who is confirmed or suspected to have meningitis to promptly seek medical treatment.
People who visited the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury on 5, 6 and 7 March have been encouraged to get preventative antibiotic treatment as a 'precautionary measure', as the 'majority of cases' are connected to this venue.
A vaccination programme will take place to immunise students living in University of Kent halls of residence in Canterbury against meningitis B, the Health Secretary also said.
Announcing the news, Streeting told MPs that 'given the severity of the situation', this vaccination drive will begin 'in the coming days'.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also said that this 'may expand further' if the need arises.
Streeting said that so far, 700 doses of antibiotics have already been given out and all the people who have been traced amid concerns they may have been exposed to MenB 'were offered precautionary antibiotics'.
Brits have been told that the public health risk for the wider population is 'low', as Streeting added: "But we are actively contact tracing and offering antibiotic prophylaxis to those in close contact with cases.
"The antibiotics are really effective and it’s one course, effective in 90 percent of cases. So, we are actively contact tracing."
Olivia Burke