7 Things You Should Know About the Meningitis Outbreak in the U.K.

We have received many calls with regards to the current Meningitis outbreak amongst teenagers in Kent, UK. It is of course of concern that there is a current outbreak of meningitis in Kent, UK and our thoughts go out to the families of all involved during this worrying time.

Here are 7 things every parent should know:

1. There Is an Active Outbreak Among Teenagers in Kent, U.K.

A meningitis outbreak is currently affecting teenagers in Kent, United Kingdom. The outbreak appears to have originated from teenagers mixing socially at a local nightclub. Authorities have robust infection control policies in place, and the outbreak remains isolated to the area.

2. What Is Meningococcal Disease? Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and can lead to life-threatening conditions including meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). While it can affect all age groups, it is most common in children under five  (particularly babies under one year of age) and in young people aged 15 to 19.

3. The Strain Is Meningitis B (MenB)

The strain responsible for this outbreak is Meningitis B. Interestingly, around 5% to 11% of adults carry the bacteria in their throats without showing any symptoms. This percentage increases to about 25% in teenagers, while infants and young children have much lower carriage rates. It remains unclear why some people develop the disease while others do not. However, several risk factors have been identified, including recent infection with influenza type A, and living in close or crowded environments such as university dormitories. While MenB outbreaks among teenage populations are uncommon, they are unpredictable, making awareness especially important.

4. Why This Group Was Not Vaccinated

The MenB vaccine was introduced into the U.K.’s routine childhood immunization schedule in 2015. Teenagers currently affected by this outbreak are too old to have received it as part of that schedule. Younger children in the U.K. now have some protection through routine immunization, but this particular age group missed that window.

5. The MenB Vaccine Has Limitations

While the MenB vaccine is effective at preventing serious disease, it does not reduce nasal carriage of the bacteria or prevent its spread to close contacts — meaning there is no herd immunity effect. Teenagers in the U.K. are offered vaccines for strains A, C, W, and Y, as those strains are more commonly associated with campus and college outbreaks. Exposed individuals in the current outbreak are being offered the MenB vaccine alongside antibiotics as a preventative measure.

6. Know the Symptoms

Act quickly if you notice any of the following: fever, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness or difficulty waking, and seizures. A non-blanching rash — one that does not fade when a glass is pressed firmly against it — may be a sign of septicaemia and requires immediate medical attention. On brown or black skin, check paler areas such as the palms, soles of the feet, roof of the mouth, abdomen, whites of the eyes, or inner eyelids.

7. Vaccination Options Are Available — Talk to Your Doctor

At Integra, we can provide the Men B vaccine to our patients in the childhood schedule that consists of two doses under 1yr and a third booster dose over 1yr of age (usually given at 13 months with the Men C vaccine). Currently the vaccine is available privately but many insurance groups has some coverage up to 16years and over that age it is an out of pocket expense. For the teenage population travelling to the UK, if you have any particular concerns or want to discuss Men B vaccine options, it would be advisable to book an appointment. Whilst it is an option, it may also not be necessary and our team can discuss the benefits of vaccination.  

 The vaccine, though preventing serious disease, does not reduce the nasal carriage and does not reduce the transmission of the bacteria to other close contacts, i.e there is no herd immunity effect and so there has been debate about whether it is cost effective to vaccinate a population group with such a typically low risk of disease. 

If you have concerns about travel to the U.K. or your child’s vaccination status, speak with our team at (345) 745-7450 or email us at [email protected]. Our doctors can help you assess whether vaccination is appropriate based on individual risk factors and travel plans.

For more information on meningitis and sepsis symptoms, visit the Meningitis and sepsis symptoms – Meningitis Research Foundation