Kent has seen a significant response to a meningitis outbreak, with more than 4,500 young people vaccinated as of Friday.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that the number of cases has risen to 29, with two deaths, aged 18 and 21. The outbreak is believed to have originated at the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury.
Health officials have warned that it is too early to determine if the outbreak has reached its peak, with the UKHSA stating that the bacteria is susceptible to antibiotics and the vaccines being deployed.
Police and Health Response
The UKHSA has issued a public health alert for doctors in England to watch out for meningitis symptoms. NHS Kent and Medway have administered 4,514 vaccines and handed out 10,561 antibiotics as of Friday afternoon.
Four schools in the Canterbury area have confirmed or suspected cases, with Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury, and the Canterbury Academy affected.
Investigation and Prevention
UKHSA chief scientific officer, Prof Robin May, said the vaccines being deployed work well against the strain of invasive meningitis identified in Canterbury. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will revisit its advice on whether a wider catch-up vaccination programme is needed.
Annabelle Mackay, a 21-year-old University of Kent student, has spoken to the BBC about her experience surviving meningitis, which she contracted after visiting the Club Chemistry nightclub.
Community Impact
Juliette Kenny's father, Michael, has urged the government to improve access to the MenB vaccine for young people at risk, following his daughter's death from the infection. Students and older teens are not routinely vaccinated against the meningitis strain behind the Kent outbreak.
Four clinics will be open on Saturday, with two in Canterbury, one in Faversham, and one in Ashford, to continue the vaccination efforts.
