UK health authorities revise confirmed and likely meningitis cases to 29, down from 34, as vaccination efforts continue in southeast England.
LONDON: British health authorities have revised down the number of confirmed and likely cases from a meningitis outbreak in southeast England to 29.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the figure was down from the 34 given previously. It confirmed 20 of the 29 were confirmed cases, with nine suspected cases still being checked.
Health Minister Wes Streeting said “Herculean efforts” had been expended to treat those affected and prevent the infections from spreading. He predicted “another challenging week” in the health emergency, which has claimed two lives.
The outbreak, which started in the county of Kent, killed a university student and a schoolgirl. The UKHSA said more than 9,000 vaccines against meningitis B had been administered and 12,600 doses of antibiotics distributed in the area.
Authorities said the majority of the confirmed cases were group B meningococcal disease (MenB), caused by meningococcal bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is rarer and deadlier than the viral type.
The epicentre of the outbreak is believed to be a three-floor nightclub called Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent. Authorities have urged clubgoers who were at the venue from March 5-7 to come forward and receive medication.
Meningitis is a potentially deadly infection which can lead to sepsis. It affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The disease can progress rapidly and is spread through prolonged close contact, including kissing or sharing vapes or drinks.
