What symptoms to watch out for as fresh meningitis outbreak kills one | UK | News

Britons have been urged to remain vigilant about the warning signs of meningitis following a fresh cluster of cases in Reading that claimed one life and left two others requiring medical attention.

The latest cases, confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today, emerge just weeks after an outbreak in Kent in which two people lost their lives and several more fell ill.

One of the cases identified in Reading has been confirmed as meningitis B — the very same strain responsible for the cluster of cases in Kent. The student who died following the outbreak in Reading was enrolled at Henley College in Oxfordshire. The UKHSA has stated that close contacts are being offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure, and stressed that the risk to the broader public remains low.

Meningitis can strike anyone, though babies, young children, teenagers and university students are regarded as amongst the most vulnerable groups, owing to close contact in schools, nurseries and shared accommodation.

There are several forms of meningococcal disease, including MenB, MenC, MenW and MenY, with vaccines available to offer protection against some of the most dangerous strains, reports the Mirror.

Meningitis symptoms

Meningitis symptoms can emerge suddenly and in any order, according to the NHS. Some symptoms may not appear at all.

When the bacteria responsible for meningitis enter the bloodstream, they can trigger a severe immune response, leading to life-threatening sepsis. The NHS advises seeking immediate medical assistance if you have concerns about yourself or your child.

Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:

– pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)

– spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)

– a dislike of bright lights

– being very sleepy or difficult to wake

– have a high-pitched cry

– have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive

– have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head

– Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

Meningitis rash

While meningitis is frequently associated with a rash, not every person who contracts the illness will develop one.

In certain cases, a rash may only emerge during the latter stages, while early marks can sometimes disappear when pressure is applied.

Health experts advise that people should not rely solely on the presence of a rash when identifying signs of meningitis, as symptoms can differ considerably from one person to another.

How meningitis is spread?

Meningitis can be transmitted through close contact with an infected individual.

– contact with the person’s spit, such as kissing them, or sharing drinks or vapes

– being in close contact with the person for a lot of time, such as living in the same home

The infection is typically spread by those who carry the viruses or bacteria responsible for meningitis in their nose or throat, yet display no symptoms themselves. The infection can also be passed on by someone suffering from meningitis, although this is less frequently the case.

Meningitis vaccine

Several vaccinations are available throughout the UK that offer protection against meningitis.

Children should receive the majority of these as part of the NHS vaccination schedule, but parents who are uncertain whether their child’s vaccinations are current should contact their GP.

The MenB vaccine provides protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which are a prevalent cause of meningitis amongst young children in the UK. The vaccine is recommended for babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year. Additional vaccines that provide a degree of protection against the disease include the 6-in-1 vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, MMRV vaccine and MenACWY vaccine.

Further details on each of these vaccines can be found on the NHS website.