Meningitis Outbreak in Kent: Vaccination Efforts Underway

0:00On March 22nd, a meningitis outbreak in Kent has grown to 34 confirmed or suspected cases, claiming the lives of two young people, a sixth. Form student and a University of Kent student. Now a suspected case has surfaced at EKC Canterbury College. The UK Health Security Agency alerted students there to watch for symptoms like fever and stiff neck. Close contacts receive antibiotics as a precaution, and while the college closed briefly on Sunday, classes resume normally right away. Students across the area have shared feelings of terror and panic since the outbreak hit the news earlier this month. 120-year-old University of Kent student drove hours at 4 a.m. with his mom just to get vaccinated, calling it a historic moment. Local businesses in Canterbury report fewer visitors as young people stay cautious at home. Health officials rolled out a targeted vaccination program against the life-threatening meningitis beestrain, delivering more than 8,000 jabs, and 12,150 antibiotic doses so far.

1:02Cases have also appeared at schools like Queen Elizabeth's Grammar and Favor Sham and others nearby. Experts say the situation is under control with just a baseline risk to the wider public, thanks to quick action. Health leaders are now reviewing ways to expand access to the vaccine, which only became routine for babies in 2015, leaving many teens unprotected.