Following an announcement from Government Health Secretary Wes Streeting in which he warned that the spread of Meningitis B was ‘unprecedented’, concerns are being raised over how people, and especially students, can avoid catching the potentially lethal bacteria.
Two people have died and at least 13 more have been hospitalised following the outbreak at Kent University, with the initial infection believed to have been traced to a popular nightclub in the area.
According to Dr Gareth Nye, who is a leading expert on diseases and their causes and lecturer at the University of Salford, there are three simple steps that everyone should be taking to help avoid catching Meningitis B.
Speaking exclusively with the Daily Star, he explained that while vaccination was the primary step in helping stem the tide against the disease, these three steps would also decrease your and your loved ones’ chances of infection.
Knowing the symptoms
The first weapon in your armoury should be ‘vigilance’, Dr Nye told the Star, and that means knowing what to look out for.
“Watch out for a sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, cold hands and feet, confusion, and a rash that does not fade”, Dr Nye revealed.
“[The rash] often starts as tiny, distinct red, brown, or purple pinpricks or spots (known as petechiae). At a glance, they might initially look like tiny scratch marks or a minor heat rash,” added Dr Nye.
“The spots and blotches can be much harder to see on brown or black skin. It is crucial to check paler areas of the body, such as the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, the roof of the mouth, the inside of the eyelids, or the stomach.”
He also explained a test you can do to monitor any new rash, which involves pressing a glass on the infected area.
“Press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly against the skin where the spots are.
“If the spots or blotches remain visible through the glass and do not lose their colour or fade, it is a medical emergency. You should call 999 or go to A&E immediately”, he warned.
Quick action
If any of these symptoms appear, and especially if a rash fails the glass test mentioned before, Dr Nye stressed that it was crucial to act fast, as Meningitis B can see sufferers deteriorate quickly if untreated.
“Do not wait for a rash to appear, as it does not always show up and if it does, its late stage”, he warned, adding that “If someone is ill and rapidly deteriorating with a fever, headache, stiff neck, or vomiting, get medical help right away. Early antibiotic treatment is lifesaving.”
Those that haven’t had it should also pursue getting the vaccination, he stressed, adding that many teenagers may have missed out on the preventative jab.
“The MenB vaccine was introduced on the NHS for babies in 2015, meaning most current teenagers and university students missed out on it.
“The current percentage of uptake is less than 75% which means there are plenty of unvaccinated people around.
“It is currently available privately through high-street pharmacies and should be considered if joining University – speak to the GP to check if you are up to date.”
Hygiene
Maintaining personal boundaries and keeping good personal hygiene are vital for avoiding catching and spreading Meningitis.
“Do not share items that touch the mouth, such as water bottles, vapes, cigarettes, or cutlery”, warned Dr Nye, as the disease can be transmitted through sharing saliva, adding that those especially at risk should think about “reducing immediate gatherings” too.
University students, he warned were at the highest risk of transmission, due to often being in close proximity with one another, and the fact that many blame symptoms on a hangover or ‘Fresher’s Flu’
“University environments are perfect breeding grounds for meningococcal bacteria due to the highly social and communal nature of student life”, Dr Nye explained.
“When students move into crowded halls of residence and mix with large new networks at parties and nightclubs, the bacteria can easily transfer to someone who does not have immunity.”
“Students should immediately stop sharing drinks and vapes where throat bacteria can be involved as well as other activities which may cause exchange of oral bacteria.”
“Also students shouldn’t simply be assuming symptoms are related to a hangover or flu,” he added.