Meningitis B outbreak latest: Streeting warns of ‘unprecedented’ situation as new vaccine programme launched
Meningitis cases rise amid ‘unprecedented outbreak’ as people rush to get vaccinated
- Fifteen cases of meningitis, including two deaths, have been reported to the UK Health Security Agency in Kent, with four confirmed as meningitis B.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the situation as an "unprecedented outbreak" and expressed his condolences to the families of the two young people who died.
- The majority of cases are linked to the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury between 5 and 7 March, which has voluntarily closed, with updated figures to be released daily.
- Pharmacies are experiencing a significant surge in private meningitis vaccine bookings, with one chain reporting a 65-fold increase in demand.
- A small vaccination programme will be launched for students at the University of Kent's Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence, as many young people born before 2015 are not routinely protected against meningitis B.
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