Meningitis

Meningitis

There is currently an outbreak of meningococcal disease (MenB) in Kent. The risk of infection to the wider population remains low.

How is the disease spread? 

Transmission of  MenB requires close and prolonged contact to spread including living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19.

Prophylactic antibiotics are currently being offered to:

Students at Canterbury campus,

All staff who live in the affected halls of residence, Anyone who attended Club Chemistry on 5th, 6th and 7th March Those who have been in close contact of any of the above people.

Please contact UKHSA immediately on the number below, or let us know, if you feel you are a close contact and have not been treated.

Symptoms

If you are a close contact please be alert to symptoms of meningococcal disease and septicaemia (including fever, headache, rash, vomiting, limb pain, cold hands/feet, drowsiness or rapid deterioration) and call 999 or attend A&E immediately.

Vaccination

We are unable to provide vaccination for meningitis B at this time to those not due this as part of their immunisation schedule.

If you are not eligible for the MenB vaccine, you should still make sure you are up to date with the MMR and MenACWY vaccines, which help protect against other causes of meningitis.

The MenACWY vaccine is offered in school, usually in Year 9 or 10. If you have missed the MenACWY vaccine in school, you can get a free catch-up vaccine from your GP surgery.

If you have further questions call the UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) on 03442252861 and select option 5 (option dedicated to meningitis queries).