Meningitis B latest: Cases linked to outbreak fall as infections downgraded but experts call for ‘vigilance’

• The number of meningitis cases linked to an outbreak in Kent has decreased after some initially confirmed cases were reclassified following further tests
• As of 21 March, there are 20 confirmed cases and nine suspected cases under investigation, bringing the total to 29
• The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that cases were reclassified based on additional laboratory results and clinical investigation
• The UKHSA expects more probable cases to be downgraded in the coming days as further laboratory assessments are completed
• Dr Sherine Thomas of UKHSA highlighted ongoing vigilance, the importance of knowing symptoms, and seeking immediate medical attention, while reassuring the public that the risk to the wider population remains low

More than 9,078 meningitis B vaccines had been administered as of Saturday evening while 12,595 antibiotics had been handed out, NHS Kent and Medway said.

Dr Sherine Thomas, infectious diseases consultant at the UKHSA, said on Sunday: “We continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country to ensure that any new cases identified are responded to as quickly as possible.

“It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination, and we’d like to thank everyone involved in this effort so far.

“Although the risk to the wider population remains low, it is still really important that people know the symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops them. UKHSA continues to work with partners to identify contacts and offer necessary treatment.”

The UK Health and Security Agency said the total number of confirmed and suspected cases fell to 29 on Sunday, down from 34, after further testing.

Reality television personality Jordan Brook has this weekend revealed he is battling viral meningitis in an update from his hospital bed.

‘The Only Way is Essex’ star’s case is not connected to the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.

Here are the symptoms of meningitis and what to do if you suspect you have the infection:

The father of an 18-year-old girl who died following a meningitis outbreak in Kent had a “beautifully positive energy”, her grieving father has said.

Juliette Kenny died on Saturday, 14 March, one day after first showing symptoms including vomiting and discolouration in her cheeks, her father Michael Kenny said.

Mr Kenny added his daughter had been “fit, healthy and strong” before her death, having completed her PE A-level practical assessment days earlier.

Juliette is one of two young people who have died following the meningitis B outbreak in the county.

• A fatal meningitis outbreak in Kent has resulted in 29 cases, comprising 18 confirmed and 11 probable, all linked to the region, with two deaths reported
• Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council’s director of public health, warned on Friday that sporadic household clusters of meningitis could emerge outside Kent over the next four weeks as students incubating the bug travel, though he expects these to be “containable”
• He clarified that meningitis requires “protracted close contact” for transmission, such as sharing utensils or kissing, making it significantly less transmissible than Covid-19

Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the government to fund the rollout meningitis B vaccinations for 16 to 23-year-olds.

Marrissa Mullans, whose 18-year-old son, Alfie Jake Mullans, died from menB in 2023, said young people “have the right to life” and no parent should have to lose a child.

She is calling for a catch-up vaccination programme for 16 to 23-year-olds who were too old to be eligible for the jab when it was rolled out on the NHS in 2015.

Lisa Snowdon has recalled almost dying from meningitis after ignoring symptoms for weeks, and said she still suffers side effects 16 years later.

Snowdon, 54, contracted a viral strand of the illness in 2010.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has praised the “Herculean efforts” to protect people from the Kent meningitis outbreak and care for those affected.

He offered his condolences to the families of the two students who have died in the outbreak and said his thoughts are with those in hospital “fighting this terrible disease”.

He said in the statement on Sunday: “It has been an incredibly difficult week for those affected and for those working on the frontline response to this outbreak.

“As we look ahead to another challenging week, I wanted to pay tribute to the Herculean efforts of everyone who has worked tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe.”