Kent Meningitis Outbreak May Have Peaked as Cases Slow Down

AI Summary

The Kent meningitis outbreak may have reached its peak, with only two new cases reported on Friday. The UK Health and Security Agency reported 18 confirmed and 11 probable cases, totaling 29 people affected. A slowdown in cases is observed, but the situation remains serious.

The Kent meningitis outbreak may have reached its peak after only two new cases were reported on Friday. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed 18 cases and 11 probable cases, bringing the total to 29.

Of the confirmed cases, 13 were meningitis B. The growth in cases may have slowed, but the situation remains serious, with all cases requiring hospital admission. As of 5 pm on Thursday, 2,360 vaccinations had been given and 9,840 doses of antibiotics handed out.

Prof Robin May, the chief scientific officer of the UKHSA, said experts are working to understand if the meningitis B bug has become more transmissible. Initial genetic analysis suggests the Bexsero vaccine should provide protection against the type of MenB in this outbreak.

The family of a teenager who died from the disease described their immeasurable loss. Juliette Kenny died on March 14, one day after developing symptoms. Her family is now campaigning for teenagers and young people to be routinely given access to the meningitis B vaccination.

Experts believe that with an incubation period of up to 10 days, the peak from the initial super-spreading event will have already passed. However, secondary cases among people who did not attend the nightclub but caught it from someone who did are still possible.