Meningitis Outbreak in Kent: Rapid Spread & Vaccine Rush

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Global News Today. A meningitis outbreak in Southeast England's Kent County has killed two young people, a University of Kent student and a pupil from a nearby school. Officials have confirmed nine cases so far, with 11 more under investigation, bringing the total to 20 by midweek. The first case appeared last Friday, and UK Health Secretary Westreeding called it unprecedented due to the rapid rise. Most cases are tied to the University of Kent in Canterbury, about 60 miles southeast of London. Many students, now home for Easter break, are getting antibiotics in a vaccine for the meningitis B strain. Health experts point to a possible superspreader event at a Canterbury nightclub for March 5th to 7th, so antibiotics are available nationwide for anyone who went there. Students have been lining up for preventative treatment, and some locals are wearing masks and keeping distance, fresh in mind from the pandemic days. The bacterial infection spreads easily in close groups like dorms through coughing, kissing, or sharing drinks, hitting young adult hard.

1:06More than 2,500 antibiotic doses have gone out already, with enough meningitis B vaccine supplies for the two dose course. That vaccine joined the UK's childhood program in 2015, so many uni students missed it unless they got it privately. Cases could climb higher, with an incubation period up to 14 days, but officials are sequencing the strain and say it's not turning national. Doctors nationwide are on alert for fast worsening symptoms, focusing efforts right where they're needed in Kent. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. Your bedtime ritual just got better. Built in sound, built in comfort, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.