Three recent meningitis instances confirmed in UK as killer virus pops up in new area
Three young people in Weymouth, Dorset have been diagnosed with meningitis B and are receiving treatment as health officials urge pupils to look out for symptoms
Students queuing to receive vaccines and antibiotics at the University of Kent campus in Canterbury(Image: PA)
Three instances of meningitis B have been confirmed in young people in Weymouth, Dorset, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Antibiotics and vaccines are now being provided to youngsters currently in school years 7 to 13 across the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas of Dorset.
The UKHSA confirmed the three cases occurred between 20 March and 15 April. The three students affected have received treatment and are “recovering well”, it said, adding that close contacts have already been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
Two of the young people attend Budmouth Academy, a large secondary school in Weymouth, while the other is a student at Wey Valley Academy, another secondary school.
The UKHSA stated that the two students who attend Budmouth Academy are known to each other, but there is currently no confirmed epidemiological link with the pupil at Wey Valley.
“This may mean that this strain of menB bacteria is transmitting more widely among young people in Weymouth,” it added.
Information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis has been distributed to students and parents of both schools, the UKHSA said.
The three cases have been confirmed as menB and are the same sub-strain type – but a different sub-strain – to the cases seen in Kent last month, which resulted in the death of two students.
Due to fears that menB may be spreading more extensively, the UKHSA has determined that antibiotics and the menB jab should be offered to students across the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas.
Dr Beth Smout, deputy director of UKHSA, stated: “We are working closely with partners to follow up and offer precautionary antibiotics to close contacts of the cases.
“However, meningococcal disease does not spread easily, and outbreaks like we have seen recently in Kent are rare.
“These cases are not linked to the Kent outbreak, and it is important to be aware that this outbreak is not on the same scale as we saw in Kent in terms of speed of transmission or severity.
“However, it is possible that we will see further cases linked to these latest cases in Weymouth and we understand that there will be concern among students, staff, parents and the local community as we widen our offer of antibiotics and vaccination.
“I’d like to stress that this is an additional precaution, and that we’re following national guidelines to reduce the risk of the infection spreading.
“School pupils and staff should attend school as normal if they remain well.”
Youngsters under 16 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can provide consent for the jab.
Dr Smout stated: “Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that everyone is alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet.
“Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.
“If the disease is suspected, you should seek immediate medical attention as the disease can progress rapidly.
“It’s also important for teenagers to ensure they take up the MenACWY vaccine routinely offered by the NHS – but also to be aware that this vaccine does not protect against menB, which is why knowing the symptoms and seeking early treatment is so important.”
