Meningitis outbreak spreads to second university in Kent after vaccine supplies dwindle
Meningitis outbreak spreads to second university in Kent after vaccine supplies dwindle
Health officials are working to contain a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, Kent, following the confirmation of a new case at a second university. Thousands of students at the University of Kent have already received preventative antibiotics, with two fatalities reported as the infection continues to spread.
Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) has announced that one of its students has contracted the illness. Rama Thirunamachandran, CCCU’s vice-chancellor and principal professor, stated:
‘The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a single meningococcal case involving a CCCU student. We have directly supported the individual. This case is linked to the initial cluster at Club Chemistry.’
Private stocks of meningitis B vaccines have been exhausted, according to the National Pharmacy Association. Boots has introduced a waiting queue for its vaccination service, while Superdrug reports a backlog due to a ‘national shortage.’ The pharmacy’s vaccine booking page is currently offline, with a notice explaining:
‘We’ll resume shortly. Demand for the Meningitis B Vaccination Service is currently high and we’re experiencing technical difficulties. We’re working to resolve them as quickly as possible.’
The University of Kent has begun offering menB vaccines to all students living on its Canterbury campus. The outbreak has been classified as a national incident, with health authorities anticipating an increase in cases as symptoms may develop between two and 14 days after exposure.
Experts describe the situation as historic, emphasizing the rapid spread of infections within a short period. Susan Hopkins, chief executive of the UKHSA, said:
‘This appears to be a super-spreader event, with ongoing transmission in university residence halls. Social gatherings, particularly around this time, likely contributed to widespread mixing. I can’t yet determine the origin of the infection or why it’s caused such a surge in cases. In my 35 years in healthcare, this is the most severe outbreak I’ve seen in a single weekend.’
GPs across the UK have been directed to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5-7, as the outbreak is traced to the nightclub’s fresher’s event. A baby girl is also hospitalized with the same strain, though her infection is not yet tied to the Kent incident.
Pharmacies are struggling with an ‘impossible situation’ as their private meningitis B vaccine reserves have dwindled. Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:
‘Unfortunately, private supplies have run out, and most distributors have no stock left. While some may be available in the system, it’s taking time to replenish our inventory. There’s no set date for restocking.’
Approximately 5,000 students in Kent’s university accommodations will receive menB vaccines in the coming days, following four confirmed cases linked to local schools. The NHS initially treated the outbreak as a regional major incident but has now escalated it to a national oversight level.
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