Everyone

Which strain is responsible for the outbreak?

UKHSA has confirmed that some of the cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent have been identified as group B.

What is the risk to the wider public?

The public health risk to the wider population remains low. UKHSA is actively contact tracing and offering antibiotic prophylaxis to people in close contact with cases.

What action has been taken so far in Kent to reassure students?

UKHSA has worked with the University of Kent to provide advice letters to all sixteen thousand students with information on recent cases, symptoms, how to obtain antibiotics and what to do if they feel unwell. Antibiotics and vaccinations are available.

Why are some confirmed cases being downgraded? Are these cases other potential strains of meningitis?

In a meningitis outbreak, rapid initial diagnosis is essential to ensure timely clinical public health response. Several methods may be used for initial diagnosis. In this outbreak, some cases initially classified as confirmed meningitis were later downgraded after further testing. When Gram-negative diplococci are identified in a normally sterile site, the individual is provisionally treated as a case. This approach ensures prompt management while awaiting more advanced microbiological testing. Subsequent confirmatory tests may identify alternative bacterial causes rather than meningococcus. In such instances, these individuals are downgraded from the outbreak case definition, although the true cause of their illness is still identified and managed appropriately.

 

What are precautionary antibiotics?

The NHS offering free precautionary antibiotic tablets to eligible people who do not have symptoms of meningitis.

This is one tablet, which you need to swallow.

You must take the tablet at the clinic in front of the staff who issued it to you.

You cannot take the tablet away to take later.

You cannot collect a tablet on behalf of someone else.

Who is eligible for precautionary antibiotics?

Preventative antibiotics and vaccines are now available to eligible patients

No booking is needed and you do not need to bring ID but bring your NHS number, if you have it.

Bring a bottle of water if you can.

Check if you're eligible.

What is a close contact?

A "close contact" for meningitis (specifically bacterial/meningococcal) is defined as prolonged close contact with the case in a household-type setting during the seven days before onset of illness.

Examples of such contacts would be those living and/or sleeping in the same household, pupils in the same dormitory, boy or girlfriends, or university students sharing a kitchen in a hall of residence.

The definition of close contact does not include:

• staff and children attending same nursery or crèche
• students or pupils in same school, class or tutor group
• work or school colleagues
• friends
• residents of nursing or residential homes
• kissing on cheek or mouth (intimate kissing would be considered close, prolonged
• contact)
• food or drink sharing or similar low level of salivary contact including shared vapes.

I am a Kent student but I have travelled home, can I still get antibiotics?

Contact your home GP. They will have been made aware of the type of antibiotic and the dose they can prescribe for you.

Can I collect antibiotics from a clinic but take them off site if I am fasting for religious reasons?

If you are eligible for antibiotics at a clinic, these must be taken on site and cannot be taken away. Clinics are open past sunset and those who are fasting are asked to arrive later in the day.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid when taking the precautionary antibiotic (ciprofloxacin)?

When taking ciprofloxacin, a healthcare professional will let you know not to have dairy products such as milk, cheese or yoghurt, or drinks with added calcium such as mineral-fortified fruit juice, for one hour after taking the antibiotic. These can stop some of the ciprofloxacin being absorbed in the stomach.

If you have any worries about this or about other medication you take, please speak to the healthcare professional giving the antibiotic.

Is there enough antibiotic prophylaxis available?

Yes. The NHS has sufficient antibiotic stocks at the university, hospitals, and the ambulance service. We are working with local resilience partners to ensure effective distribution.

Is there a vaccination campaign in response to the outbreak?

Yes. A vaccination campaign is underway. Please check eligibility and clinic details.

Am I at risk if I have already been vaccinated?

The MenACWY vaccine offers good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease and is routinely offered to teenagers in school years nine and ten. However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains such as MenB can circulate among young adults, which is why it is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms regardless of vaccination status.

Why do you not offer a MenB vaccine to teenagers and young adults?

The Department of Health and Social Care makes decisions on vaccination programmes using independent expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. The JCVI does not recommend a routine MenB booster for adolescents and young adults at present. JCVI reviews new evidence regularly and UKHSA will be advising that the JCVI considers this outbreak to confirm its latest advice.

Do you need two doses of the MenB vaccine?

The vaccination course consists of two doses. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first for the best protection. It then takes at least two weeks after that second dose for your body to produce enough antibodies to be well protected, which is why those who are eligible for the first dose were urged to come forward as soon as possible.

Second does of the MenB vaccine

The MenB vaccination course consists of two doses. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first. We are currently putting arrangements in place to ensure that everyone who is eligible for the MenB vaccination will be able to receive their second dose. Further details on when and where second doses will be offered will be shared as soon as these plans are confirmed.

What do I need to do?

If you are not a close contact or a case there is nothing specific you need to do. However, remain alert to they symptoms and seek advice as necessary.

I am in a vulnerable group. What do I need to do?

If you are not a close contact, there is nothing specific that you need to do. You do not need antibiotics and you can go to work, school or your usual activities as normal. However, remain alert to they symptoms and seek advice as necessary.

What should I do if I am concerned about myself or someone else?

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999. If a friend goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly. Early treatment can be lifesaving. You can also contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you are concerned. Call 999 in an emergency.

Should I wear a face mask?

There is no requirements for students to wear a face mask. They can be worn by students on university grounds and those attending venues to receive antibiotics, although facemasks have no role in controlling meningococcal disease outbreaks.  

Anyone with symptoms of a respiratory illness should wear one a face mask if they have to go out. This advice is standard advice and not new. 

If you are attending a clinical setting or have been in contact with someone who has meningitis symptoms, personal protective equipment, such as a face mask is advised. 

Some students are going home, what's your advice on that from a safety perspective?

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If students have been offered antibiotic prophylaxis then we strongly recommend they pick that up prior to leaving university to ensure they receive and take their antibiotics as soon as possible. They should remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms and seek medical advice if they become unwell.

Are there any restrictions being placed on gatherings or social events on campus?

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UKHSA is supporting the University of Kent to prevent spread of the infection. If you are a student you should refer to information from the university about any restrictions - these will be emailed to you. If you need support during this time visit: Health and wellbeing - Student support - University of Kent.

Are you advising schools and institutions to close?

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No, UKHSA does not advise school closures or keeping children off school. It's safe for pupils to attend as normal, unless they develop symptoms and are very unwell.

How does meningitis affect babies?

The symptoms and signs of meningitis and septicaemia in babies can include:

• refusing feeds, vomiting
• feeling drowsy and not responding to you, or being difficult to wake
• being floppy and having no energy, or being stiff with jerky movements
• being irritable when picked up
• a high-pitched moaning cry
• grunting
• rapid or unusual patterns of breathing
• fever (high temperature)
• cold hands and/or feet
• skin that is pale, blotchy or turning blue
• shivering
• spots or a rash that does not fade under pressure.

How do I know if my child has been vaccinated for meningitis?

Many people can view your GP health record, or your child's record, using the NHS App or by logging into your account on the NHS website. This will include information about vaccinations you or your child has had.

You can create an account if you do not already have one.

To view your GP record online, you must be:

• registered with a GP surgery
• aged 16 or over

When you create an account, you'll need to prove your identity before you can view your GP health record. This helps keep your record secure.

Are you advising schools and institutions to close?

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No, UKHSA does not advise school closures or keeping children off school. It's safe for pupils to attend as normal, unless they develop symptoms and are very unwell.

What should I do if my child has missed the meningitis vaccine?

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To get the best protection, it is important for you or your child to have your vaccines when they are offered, or as soon as possible afterwards if they were missed. Children who have missed one or more dose of the MenB vaccine can receive these free of charge up to their second birthday.

Teenagers can arrange to have vaccines they have missed. This is especially important before starting university or college. If that's not possible, they should contact their new GP as soon as they arrive. All GP practices should be able to offer free missed MenACWY to students who are under 25 years. International students in the same age group are also eligible for these routine vaccines.

If you were born before 1 May 2015, there is no NHS catch up programme for the MenB vaccine. 

Is my child eligible for an emergency vaccination as part of the outbreak response?

If your child is in year 12 or 13, a University of Kent student, or meets other parts of the eligibility criteria they are eligible for antibiotics and a vaccine.

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria. It can lead to meningitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the brain, and septicaemia, which is blood poisoning. The onset can be sudden, and early diagnosis and treatment are vital.

What are the symptoms to look out for?

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include:
• a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
• sudden onset of high fever
• severe and worsening headache
• stiff neck
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• joint and muscle pain
• dislike of bright lights
• very cold hands and feet
• seizures
• confusion or delirium
• extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking.

How is meningitis treated?

People with suspected meningitis usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is viral or bacterial. Bacterial meningitis usually requires at least a week in hospital, including antibiotics given directly into a vein, fluids into a vein and oxygen through a face mask if needed. Viral meningitis often improves on its own within seven to ten days, with rest, painkillers and anti‑sickness medication used to relieve symptoms.