Location: United Kingdom, countrywide
Event: There is an outbreak of Meningitis B in the southeast of England in and around Kent that has been linked to exposures in a club in Canterbury March 5-7th.
Meningococcal B disease (meningitis and septicemia) is a rare but serious disease caused by a subtype of meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis and death. It is most often contracted in the newborn period (mostly under 3 months) and then in the late teen years (more often in communal living situations such as dormitories or military barracks). Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control .
The UK’s Health Security Agency’s Meningitis B blog notes that transmission of Meningitis B requires close and prolonged contact to spread including living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19.
The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
- sudden onset of high fever
- severe and worsening headache
- stiff neck
- vomiting and diarrhea
- joint and muscle pain
- dislike of bright lights
- very cold hands and feet
- seizures
- confusion/delirium
- extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking
Antibiotics are highly effective for prevention for those meeting exposure criteria set by public health authorities who are undertaking great efforts to identify at-risk contacts. Unless offered for a defined exposure, preventive antibiotics may be more harmful than helpful.
The UK began offering Meningitis B vaccine to all children at ages 2, 3 and 12 months of age through the NHS. The US CDC currently recommends a shared clinical decision-making process to decide if MenB vaccination is appropriate for individuals, preferably between 16-18 years of age. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/hcp/vaccine-recommendations/index.html While typically available at numerous private pharmacies, availability is quite limited at the moment.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and, since there is up to a 14 day incubation period, there may be additional cases identified.
If you or anyone you know develops concerning symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Contact the NHA by dialling 111 or emergency services at 999.
Actions to Take:
Assistance:
