Two people in Kent have died following an outbreak of an ‘invasive’ strain of meningitis.
Both victims are believed to be aged between 18 and 21, and the University of Kent has confirmed that one was a student, while local MP Helen Whately said another was a year 13 pupil from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham.
Alongside these fatalities, a further 11 people from the Canterbury area have reportedly been admitted to hospital and are seriously ill.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an urgent message to more than 30,000 students, staff and their families as a result, informing them of the situation and arranging the distribution of antibiotics.
While it’s currently unknown what the specific strain of meningitis is, the outbreak has been linked with a social event in Canterbury.
And given the seriousness of this ‘deadly infection’, people are being advised to be on the lookout for early signs and symptoms — and to seek help if they spot something concerning.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can be caused by a variety of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and, less commonly, parasites.
According to the NHS, while the infection can affect anyone, it is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
Currently, a number of vaccinations are available that can provide some protection against the infection; most notably, the MenB vaccine, which is offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year.
Alternatively, teenagers, sixth formers and ‘fresher’ students going to university for the first time are encouraged to get the MenACWY vaccine.
The difference between viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis
The prognosis for meningitis varies significantly based on the type and how quickly a patient seeks treatment.
Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and won’t typically cause any long-term problems, but bacterial meningitis can be far more deadly.
If left untreated, the latter can result in life-threatening sepsis and or permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Most patients with bacterial meningitis who receive prompt treatment will make a full recovery. However, those who are burdened with drastic long-term problems might experience:
- hearing loss or vision loss, which may be partial or total
- problems with memory and concentration
- recurrent seizures (epilepsy)
- coordination, movement and balance problems
- loss of limbs – amputation of affected limbs is sometimes necessary
Overall, it’s estimated up to one in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal.
What are the first signs of meningitis?
According to Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, with bacterial meningitis, sepsis, shock, and organ failure can occur very quickly, sometimes within hours of the first symptoms appearing. As such, it’s imperative people seek treatment immediately.
‘The most common signs that tend to alert both patients and clinicians to the possibility of meningitis include a sudden onset of severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, and sometimes a sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, along with general malaise and vomiting,’ she tells Metro
‘One of the key warning signs, particularly for meningococcal infection [a type of bacterial meningitis], is a non-blanching purplish or bruise-like rash, which can be tested using the “glass test,” whereby gentle pressure from a glass over the rash does not cause it to fade.
‘This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention’.
One thing Dr Wylie highlights is that symptoms of meningitis can vary depending on the age of the patient.
The expert explains: ‘In infants and very young children, the classic signs such as neck stiffness or headache may be absent, and instead you may notice irritability, poor feeding, lethargy, or a bulging fontanelle, which is the soft spot on the baby’s head.
However, older children and adults tend to show the more classical symptoms.
There are also less common signs worth being aware of, such as cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, unusual sleepiness, confusion, or seizures, all of which can indicate a more severe progression of the disease.
How does meningitis spread?
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. These infections can be spread through things such as sneezing, coughing, or kissing.
According to the NHS, meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be transmitted from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.
Dr Suzanne emphasises that there tends to be a ‘small peak’ in susceptibility among adolescents and young adults, ‘often linked to communal living environments such as university halls of residence’.
She continues: ‘adults with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions are also at increased risk, although the overall incidence is lower compared with these younger age groups’.
Faversham and Mid Kent MP, Helen Whately, added in a public statement on Facebook: ‘The meningitis outbreak in our area is a huge shock. It’s incredibly worrying too for the families of the young people in hospital, and others at risk.
‘I am asking the NHS urgently for more information and guidance, especially given the rumours going round about where they may have picked it up’.
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