UK authorities revise meningitis outbreak cases to 29

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British health authorities on Sunday revised down the number of confirmed and likely cases from a meningitis outbreak in southeast England to 29, from a figure of 34 given previously.

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said 20 of the 29 were confirmed cases, and the number of suspected cases being checked stood at nine.

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Health Minister Wes Streeting said “Herculean efforts” had been expended to treat those affected and to prevent the infections from spreading.

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He predicted “another challenging week” in the health emergency, which started in the county of Kent, in England, and has claimed the lives of two people — a university student and a schoolgirl.

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UKHSA said more than 9,000 vaccines against meningitis B had been administered and 12,600 doses of antibiotics distributed in Kent.

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Meningitis is a potentially deadly infection which can lead to sepsis if it affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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Authorities said the majority of the confirmed cases were group B meningococcal disease (MenB), caused by the meningococcal bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is rarer and deadlier than the viral type.

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The epicentre of the outbreak is believed to be a three-floor nightclub called Club Chemistry, in the city of Canterbury in Kent. Authorities have urged clubgoers who were at the venue from March 5-7 to come forward and receive medication.

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Meningitis can progress rapidly and is spread through prolonged close contact, including kissing or the sharing of vapes or drinks.

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AFP

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