Lancashire universities issue meningitis advice to students amid Kent outbreak
Universities in Lancashire are issuing advice to students in response to a meningitis outbreak in Kent, with 20 cases reported.
Universities across Lancashire have issued advice to students amid an outbreak of meningitis in Kent.
Five new cases of meningitis have been reported in Kent, taking the total number being investigated by health officials to 20.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that, as of 5pm on Tuesday (March 17), some 20 cases of meningitis had been reported to it, up from 15 previously. Of these, nine cases have been confirmed in the lab and 11 remain under investigation. Six of the confirmed cases have been confirmed as the meningitis B strain.
GPs across the country have now been told to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury from March 5-7, plus students from the University of Kent.
Two students have died during the outbreak, including 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, who was studying for her A-Levels. The number of cases is expected to rise because the incubation period for the infection to when symptoms appear is two to 14 days.
While there are currently confirmed cases in Lancashire, universities across the county have issued to students.
In a statement this week, the Students’ Union at University of Lancashire (which has campuses in Preston and Burnley), said: “You may have seen on the news that there has been a meningitis outbreak in Kent, Southeast England, and sadly two people have died.
“While there is nothing to suggest that meningitis is on the rise in Lancashire or nationally, we wanted to raise awareness of the symptoms and the NHS advice around meningitis, so you know what to look out for.
Lancaster University - which has campuses in Lancaster and Blackpool - and Edge Hill University have also issued advice surrounding the disease, urging students to be aware of the symptoms and to check if they have had the MenACWY vaccination.
The UKHSA said young people going on to university or college for the first time are ‘particularly at risk’ of meningitis because they newly mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
Signs and symptoms of meningitis
Early symptoms – such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches – can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu. But someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours. That’s why it’s crucial to keep checking on anyone who is unwell.
Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not happen at all. For meningitis, common signs and symptoms include:
- fever
- a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help)
- vomiting
- stiff neck
- dislike of bright lights
- rash
- confusion, delirium
- severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
- fits
It’s important to be aware of how to recognise septicaemia as well as meningitis. The most important signs to look out for are:
- fever and shivering
- severe pains and aches in limbs and joints
- vomiting
- very cold hands and feet
- pale or blotchy skin
- rapid breathing
- diarrhoea and stomach cramps
- red or purple ‘bruised’ or blotchy rash on skin that does not fade under pressure - do the glass test. On dark skin, check inside the eyelids or roof of the mouth where the spots may be more visible
- difficulty walking or standing
- severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
Is there a risk of meningitis in Lancashire?
In a statement shared with the LEP today (March 18), Dr Sakti Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, Lancashire County Council, said: “People may have seen recent media coverage about meningitis and may be understandably concerned.
“I want to reassure residents that there are currently no confirmed cases in Lancashire, and the risk to the general public remains very low.
“Meningitis is rare but serious. While routine vaccinations protect against several common types of meningitis, they do not protect against all strains, which is why it’s important for everyone to be aware of the symptoms. These can include a sudden fever, headache, vomiting, or a rash that does not fade when pressed.
"Anyone who is worried should seek medical advice promptly.
“We are continuing to work closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other health partners and will keep the situation under review.”
More information is available from the UK Health Security Agency here.