Wes Streeting, in response to the recent meningitis outbreak in Kent, issued a significant appeal to students, coinciding with a decrease in infections according to the latest data. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a drop in meningitis cases from 34 to 29 following intensive efforts in administering vaccines and antibiotics to combat the outbreak.
The Health Secretary commended the extensive public health campaign that has resulted in the delivery of thousands of vaccines and tens of thousands of antibiotics to students, while also urging the students to remain vigilant. UKHSA confirmed 29 cases, with 20 lab-confirmed cases and 9 under investigation, showcasing a decrease of 3 confirmed cases since the previous update.
Tragically, two individuals have lost their lives, identified as 18-year-old Juliette Kenny and an unnamed 21-year-old university student. Wes Streeting expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasized the importance of remaining alert during this challenging period.
Acknowledging the collaborative effort in response to the outbreak, the UKHSA expressed gratitude to partners such as the NHS and the University of Kent for their swift support in providing vaccines and antibiotics. Dr. Sherine Thomas, an Infectious Diseases Consultant at UKHSA, assured the public of ongoing vigilance against new cases while emphasizing the low overall risk.
The decline in cases is accompanied by the delivery of 12,157 vaccine doses as part of the ongoing vaccination campaign. UKHSA continues to work closely with partners to identify contacts, offer necessary treatment, and educate the public on recognizing symptoms of meningococcal disease for prompt medical attention.
