Meningitis outbreak spreads to second university in Kent after vaccine supplies dwindle
Meningitis outbreak spreads to second university in Kent after vaccine supplies dwindle
Following the classification of the meningitis outbreak as a “super-spreader,” a second institution in Kent has reported a case. The University of Canterbury, which is part of the Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), confirmed that one of its students has contracted the disease.
Health officials are working to limit the spread of meningitis in the county, where a cluster of infections has led to two fatalities. Thousands of students at the University of Kent have already received preventative antibiotics to reduce the risk of further cases.
“The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed one case of meningococcal disease involving a CCCU student,” said Rama Thirunamachandran, the university’s vice-chancellor and principal professor. “This case is connected to the initial cluster linked to Club Chemistry.”
Private stocks of meningitis B vaccines have been exhausted, as highlighted by the National Pharmacy Association. Boots has implemented a queueing system for its vaccination service, while Superdrug reports a waiting list due to a “national shortage.”
The pharmacy booking page for the menB jab is currently unavailable, with a message stating: “We’ll be back shortly. Demand for the Meningitis B Vaccination Service is currently high and we’re having a few technical difficulties.”
At the University of Kent, all students residing on the Canterbury campus are being offered the meningitis B vaccine starting today. The outbreak has been elevated to a national incident, with experts predicting an increase in cases as symptoms may take two to 14 days to manifest.
Public health officials emphasize the urgency of taking antibiotics as prescribed, noting that a single dose of Ciprofloxacin can lower the risk of infection within a household by up to 90%.
“This looks like a super-spreader event, with ongoing spread within the university halls,” explained Susan Hopkins, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency. “We’re seeing an unprecedented number of cases in such a short period, which is unlike anything I’ve encountered in my 35 years in medicine.”
GPs across the UK have been directed to prescribe antibiotics to individuals who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5 and 7. The outbreak traces back to a fresher’s event attended by sixth formers.
As the situation evolves, the NHS has upgraded its response from a regional major incident to national oversight. Meanwhile, a baby girl in London is hospitalized with the same meningitis strain, though her case is not yet connected to the Kent outbreak.
Six confirmed cases have been identified as group B meningococcal disease. Despite the nationwide shortage, pharmacies are struggling to keep up with demand, with Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, stating: “Private supplies have dwindled, and most distributors have no stock left. The delayed arrival of new vaccines is causing significant challenges.”
