An outbreak of meningococcal meningitis (MenB) has been reported in Kent. The outbreak is occurring in university and youth communities.
Meningococcal infection is an extremely rare but serious illness caused by the bacterium Meningococcus. It can cause meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain) and sepsis (blood poisoning). Because it has a sudden onset, recognizing signs and symptoms and responding quickly is crucial. There are several strains of Meningococcus, including MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW, MenX, and MenY. This outbreak is caused by the MenB strain.
Spread of infection requires close and prolonged contact, such as living together, kissing, and sharing drinks or e-cigarettes (droplet + close contact transmission). It is concentrated among young people (late teens to 20s), and outbreaks occur in student dormitories and parties as clusters of several to a dozen or so people. It is not as contagious as other infectious diseases such as measles or COVID-19.
Incubation period: 2-10 days; Mortality rate: 5-10% (even with treatment); Possible long-term complications (hearing loss, limb necrosis, etc.)
Antibiotics are administered prophylactically to close contacts, proving effective in treating infection and controlling its spread in 90% of cases. Simultaneously, a targeted emergency vaccination program is implemented. While the risk of infection to the general public is low, proactive contact tracing of MenB infected individuals and continued prophylactic antibiotic administration to close contacts are necessary.
Prompt action is required if symptoms appear. The symptoms of meningococcal infection are as follows:
Rash that doesn’t disappear even when pressed with glass
Sudden high fever
Severe headache that worsens
Neck stiffness
Vomiting and diarrhea
Joint and muscle pain
Photosensitivity
Cold hands and feet
Convulsions
Confusion or delirium
Extreme drowsiness or difficulty getting up
The MenACWY vaccine, which we also offer at our clinic, is routinely administered in the UK to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10, in the US to all 11- to 12-year-old adolescents and booster dose at age 16 years. On the other hand, the MenB vaccine (a different vaccine from the MenACWY vaccine) is administered to infants in the UK, but general booster vaccinations for adolescents and young adults are not recommended. It is not recommended as part of the routine immunization program in the US. We do not currently offer it at our clinic.
UK Health Security Agency Organisations: Meningitis B outbreak: what you need to know
CDC: Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations