For a few days, Kent, a county in the south-east of England, has been at the center of an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease, one of the most serious forms of bacterial meningitis. Two people, a sixth-year student and a university student, have died, while others are currently in hospital in a serious condition.
The UK Health Safety Agency continues to investigate and in its statement today 18 March writes:
At the moment, 9 cases have been confirmed in the laboratory and others are being evaluated, for a total of 20 reports. Six of the confirmed cases were identified as meningococcal group B. Unfortunately, two deaths were reported. This is a rapidly evolving situation and further cases may emerge. All cases currently linked to the outbreak involve young adults.
What is meningitis and why is it so dangerous
Meningitis is a serious condition in which the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord become infected with bacteria or a virus and become inflamed. It can come on suddenly and can be fatal.
The bacterial form is the one that causes the most concern: bacterial meningitis is serious – around one case in ten is fatal – and often requires hospital treatment with antibiotics, liquids and oxygen. Even those who survive do not always emerge unscathed: the bacterial form can cause long-term complications such as hearing or vision problems, epilepsy, memory and concentration difficulties, and in some cases may require the amputation of limbs.
Recognizing the symptoms in time is literally a matter of life and death. Initial symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, neck stiffness, and a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass, a sign that shouldn’t be ignored. They may also include a severe headache, aversion to bright lights, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, joint and muscle pain, confusion, and extreme drowsiness.
The problem is that these signs may seem trivial at first. Early symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses such as colds, flu or hangovers, and students are particularly at risk of missing early warning signs.
Because it especially affects young people
Anyone can get meningitis, but young people – such as those in college – tend to be more at risk, because they mix with many other young people who may be carrying the bacteria.
As Dr. Zina Alfahl, of the University of Galway, stated at Guardian:
The bacteria are often carried harmlessly into the throat, especially among teenagers and young adults. University environments – halls of residence, parties and large social networks – create conditions in which bacteria can spread more easily. That’s why vaccination programs and rapid public health responses often focus on students and young adults when outbreaks occur.
In the specific case of Kent, the outbreak appears to be linked to a social event in Canterbury attended by some of those who later fell ill. Health authorities identified Club Chemistry as one of the places frequented between March 5 and 7.
What the authorities are doing
The response was quick and detailed. So far, more than 2,500 doses of antibiotics have been administered to students, close contacts and others, including some of those who attended Club Chemistry between March 5 and 7.
A targeted vaccination program has been launched, starting with students residing in university residences on the Canterbury Campus of the University of Kent. Up to 5,000 students are expected to be contacted and offered the vaccine.
It is important to point out that the UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) coordinates the response to the epidemic, but this does not imply that the NHS (British National Health Service) has declared a national emergency. All health services continue to function normally.
How serious is it
The situation is serious, but it is not out of control. Health authorities are working with contact tracing, distribution of preventive antibiotics and a targeted vaccination plan. The institutions reiterate that the priority is early warning and not panic.
Among the fears there is also that linked to the movements of students: with the holidays around the corner, the risk is that the bacterium could travel with them, even if transmission requires very close contact.
If you are in the area or know someone who has frequented the affected environments, the most important thing is not to underestimate the symptoms. If you are unsure, contact your doctor or NHS 111. If you experience severe and rapid symptoms, call 999 without hesitation.
Sources: GOV UK / Guardian
