Meningitis B: Jabs and antibiotics offered as three cases found in Weymouth
Three cases of meningitis B have been confirmed in young people in Weymouth, Dorset, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, adding that those affected are recovering well.
Antibiotics and vaccines are now being offered to young people currently in school years 7 to 13 across the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas of Dorset. The UKHSA said the three cases were confirmed between March 20 and April 15. The three students affected have received treatment and are “recovering well”, it said, adding that close contacts have already been offered antibiotics as a precaution. Two of the young people attended Budmouth Academy, a large secondary school in Weymouth, while the other attended Wey Valley Academy, a separate secondary school. The UKHSA said the two students who attend Budmouth Academy are known contacts of each other, but there is currently no confirmed epidemiological link with the pupil at Wey Valley. “This may mean that this strain of menB bacteria is transmitting more widely among young people in Weymouth,” it added. Information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis have been shared with students and parents of both schools, the UKHSA said. The three cases have been confirmed as menB and are the same sub-strain type – but a different sub-strain – to the cases seen in Kent last month, which left two students dead. Due to concerns menB may be spreading more widely, the UKHSA has decided antibiotics and the menB jab must be offered to pupils across the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas. Dr Beth Smout, UKHSA deputy director, said: “We are working closely with partners to follow up and offer precautionary antibiotics to close contacts of the cases. “However, meningococcal disease does not spread easily, and outbreaks like we have seen recently in Kent are rare. “These cases are not linked to the Kent outbreak, and it is important to be aware that this outbreak is not on the same scale as we saw in Kent in terms of speed of transmission or severity. “However, it is possible that we will see further cases linked to these latest cases in Weymouth and we understand that there will be concern among students, staff, parents and the local community as we widen our offer of antibiotics and vaccination. “I’d like to stress that this is an additional precaution, and that we’re following national guidelines to reduce the risk of the infection spreading. “School pupils and staff should attend school as normal if they remain well.” Young people under 16 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is able to provide consent for the jab. Dr Smout said: “Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that everyone is alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. “Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass. “If the disease is suspected, you should seek immediate medical attention as the disease can progress rapidly. “It’s also important for teenagers to ensure they take up the MenACWY vaccine routinely offered by the NHS – but also to be aware that this vaccine does not protect against menB, which is why knowing the symptoms and seeking early treatment is so important.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub