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Ishita Roy

Kent Uni Meningitis Outbreak Caused By Less-Targeted Strain B

A deadly <span>meningitis</span> outbreak in Kent has claimed two young lives and left several others seriously ill, prompting health authorities to urgently warn students and young people in the area.

According to reports, the outbreak involves invasive meningitis, a severe infection that spreads quickly and can become life threatening within hours. One of the victims was a student at the University of Kent, while the other was a Year 13 pupil from Faversham. Most of the affected individuals are between 18 and 21 years old, and several are university students.

Health officials say at least 11 people from the Canterbury area have been hospitalized and are currently receiving treatment.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has begun contacting more than 30,000 students, staff members, and their families to inform them about the outbreak and the precautions being taken.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/meningitis-outbreak-university-of-kent-student-among-two-who-died-of-the-invasive-disease-article-153843432" data-type="tilCustomLink">Meningitis Outbreak: University of Kent Student Among Two Who Died of the ‘Invasive’ Disease</a>

<h2>Strain B Identified As The Cause</h2>

Government scientists have now confirmed that the outbreak is caused by meningococcal strain B, a type of bacteria that many young people have not been vaccinated against.

Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunization and vaccine preventable diseases at the UKHSA, said laboratory testing identified the strain responsible for the cluster of infections.

She explained that teenagers in the UK usually receive a meningococcal vaccine around the age of 13 or 14, but that vaccine protects against strains A, C, W, and Y, not strain B.

This means many teenagers and young adults remain vulnerable unless they received the meningitis B vaccine privately.

<h2>Why Many Young People Are Not Vaccinated</h2>

The meningitis B vaccine was introduced into the UK’s National Health Service routine immunization schedule for babies in 2015.

As a result, people born before 2015 would not have received the vaccine through the public programme. Some may have chosen to get it privately, but many did not.

Private vaccination can cost between £100 and £120 per dose in the UK, and a full course generally requires two doses.

Experts say this gap in vaccination coverage may partly explain why university-age students are susceptible during outbreaks.

<h2>Antibiotics Being Offered As Preventive Measure</h2>

Health authorities are urging anyone who may have been exposed to the infection to take preventive antibiotics immediately. UKHSA has specifically advised people who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 and 7 March to come forward for antibiotic treatment as a precaution.

Officials say taking antibiotics quickly can help stop the bacteria from developing into disease and also prevent it from spreading to others. Amirthalingam reassured students that those who have received antibiotics can safely travel home and be around family members.

<h2>Can Sharing Vapes Spread The Infection?</h2>

The disease spreads mainly through close contact, including activities where saliva is shared. Amirthalingam noted that sharing vapes can be one possible route of transmission, although it is not the only one.

Experts say anything that goes into the mouth, including drinks, cigarettes, or vapes, can potentially pass bacteria from one person to another.

Because meningococcal bacteria can live in the throat and nose, close social contact among students often increases the risk during outbreaks.

Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

The illness is most often caused by bacterial or viral infections, although fungal and other causes are also possible.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, bacterial meningitis can lead to hearing loss, neurological complications, or death if treatment is delayed.

Doctors stress that early recognition and immediate medical care are critical because the condition can worsen rapidly within a few hours.

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A deadly meningitis outbreak in Kent has claimed two young lives and left several others seriously ill, prompting health authorities to urgently warn students and young people in the area.According to reports, the outbreak involves invasive meningitis, a severe infection that spreads quickly and can become life threatening within hours. One of the victims was a student at the University of Kent, while the other was a Year 13 pupil from Faversham. Most of the affected individuals are between 18 and 21 years old, and several are university students.Health officials say at least 11 people from the Canterbury area have been hospitalized and are currently receiving treatment.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has begun contacting more than 30,000 students, staff members, and their families to inform them about the outbreak and the precautions being taken.Read: Meningitis Outbreak: University of Kent Student Among Two Who Died of the ‘Invasive’ DiseaseStrain B Identified As The CauseGovernment scientists have now confirmed that the outbreak is caused by meningococcal strain B, a type of bacteria that many young people have not been vaccinated against.Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunization and vaccine preventable diseases at the UKHSA, said laboratory testing identified the strain responsible for the cluster of infections.She explained that teenagers in the UK usually receive a meningococcal vaccine around the age of 13 or 14, but that vaccine protects against strains A, C, W, and Y, not strain B.This means many teenagers and young adults remain vulnerable unless they received the meningitis B vaccine privately.Why Many Young People Are Not VaccinatedThe meningitis B vaccine was introduced into the UK’s National Health Service routine immunization schedule for babies in 2015.As a result, people born before 2015 would not have received the vaccine through the public programme. Some may have chosen to get it privately, but many did not.Private vaccination can cost between £100 and £120 per dose in the UK, and a full course generally requires two doses.Experts say this gap in vaccination coverage may partly explain why university-age students are susceptible during outbreaks.Antibiotics Being Offered As Preventive MeasureHealth authorities are urging anyone who may have been exposed to the infection to take preventive antibiotics immediately. UKHSA has specifically advised people who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 and 7 March to come forward for antibiotic treatment as a precaution.Officials say taking antibiotics quickly can help stop the bacteria from developing into disease and also prevent it from spreading to others. Amirthalingam reassured students that those who have received antibiotics can safely travel home and be around family members.Can Sharing Vapes Spread The Infection?The disease spreads mainly through close contact, including activities where saliva is shared. Amirthalingam noted that sharing vapes can be one possible route of transmission, although it is not the only one.Experts say anything that goes into the mouth, including drinks, cigarettes, or vapes, can potentially pass bacteria from one person to another.Because meningococcal bacteria can live in the throat and nose, close social contact among students often increases the risk during outbreaks.What Is Meningitis?Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.The illness is most often caused by bacterial or viral infections, although fungal and other causes are also possible.Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, bacterial meningitis can lead to hearing loss, neurological complications, or death if treatment is delayed.Doctors stress that early recognition and immediate medical care are critical because the condition can worsen rapidly within a few hours.

kent uni meningitis outbreak caused by less-targeted strain b

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Kent Uni Meningitis Outbreak Caused By Less-Targeted Strain B

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Kent Uni Meningitis Outbreak Caused By Less-Targeted Strain B

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