Meningitis outbreak spreads to second university in Kent after vaccine supplies dwindle
Meningitis outbreak spreads to second university in Kent after vaccine supplies dwindle
A new meningitis case has emerged at the second university in Kent, following the designation of the outbreak as a “super-spreader” event. Health officials are now racing to contain the spread of meningitis in Canterbury, Kent, having distributed preventative antibiotics to thousands of students at the University of Kent to slow the infection that has resulted in two fatalities.
The second institution in the county, Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), has reported a student’s illness. Rama Thirunamachandran, CCCU’s vice-chancellor and principal professor, stated:
‘The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified one meningococcal disease case involving a CCCU student. We have contacted the affected individual for direct support. This case is connected to the initial cluster linked to Club Chemistry.’
Pharmacies Face Challenges
Private supplies of meningitis B vaccines have vanished, according to the National Pharmacy Association. Boots has introduced a queueing system on its vaccination service page, alerting users to the high demand for the menB jab. Superdrug reports a waiting list due to a “national shortage,” with its bookings page currently offline. A message on the site reads:
‘We’ll be back shortly. Demand for the Meningitis B Vaccination Service is currently high and we’re having a few technical difficulties. We’re trying to get through as soon as we can.’
The University of Kent announced today that all students residing on the Canterbury campus will be offered meningitis B vaccines over the coming days. The outbreak has been escalated to a national incident, with cases expected to increase as symptoms manifest between two and 14 days post-exposure.
National Response and Expert Insights
Experts describe the outbreak as unprecedented due to the rapid surge in cases within a short timeframe. UKHSA chief executive Susan Hopkins remarked:
‘This looks like a super-spreader event, with ongoing spread within university residence halls. There were likely gatherings, especially around this time, leading to significant social mingling. I can’t yet determine the origin of the infection or why it has caused such a rapid outbreak. In my 35 years in medicine, I’ve never seen this many cases in a single weekend.’
GPs across the UK have been instructed to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5-7. The cases trace back to the nightclub’s fresher’s event, which drew attendees from sixth formers. The infection watchdog highlighted that the outbreak’s explosive nature is unlike anything seen before.
Approximately 5,000 students in Kent’s university accommodations will receive the meningitis B vaccine in the near future. Schools in the region are also offering the jab following four confirmed cases linked to them. Health officials urge individuals to complete antibiotic treatment if prescribed, as a single tablet of Ciprofloxacin can reduce household risk by up to 90%.
One individual connected to the Kent outbreak was traced to London, where they visited a hospital with no local contacts. A baby girl is also in hospital, facing surgery after contracting the same strain of meningitis, though her infection is not yet linked to the Kent cluster. Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
‘Unfortunately, that supply has run out, and most of our distributors, wholesalers have no stock. While we’re hearing some stock may be available, it’s taking time to reach our fridges. There’s no set date for resupply.’
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