Kent has seen an unusual outbreak of meningitis, with 20 cases reported since the weekend in a small area.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, this is an exceptional outbreak in seemingly unexceptional circumstances. The agency's head, Susan Hopkins, stated: "This looks like a super spreader event with ongoing spread within the halls of residence in the universities."
The outbreak has been linked to the Club Chemistry nightclub, where 11 of the first 15 affected individuals had partied. However, connections to the nightclub do not provide a complete picture of the outbreak.
Investigation Underway
Prof Andrew Preston, from the University of Bath, suggests there are two broad explanations for the high number of severe illnesses and deaths in Kent. He stated that there has either been an "astonishing rate of transmission" or the infection is proving to be "more invasive" this time.
Analysis so far shows the outbreak is being caused by group B meningococcal bacteria. Samples collected from patients are being analyzed in the laboratory to determine if the strain has mutated in a meaningful way.
Cause of Outbreak Uncertain
Other factors, such as smoking and vaping, may contribute to the spread of meningitis bacteria. However, vaping is not a new behavior and is not unique to Kent, so it does not fully explain the exceptional nature of this outbreak.
Prof Andrew Lee, from the University of Sheffield, suggests people with other infections that cause coughing and sneezing may have made it easier for meningitis-causing bacteria to spread in the club. He stated: "In the scientific literature, there are some reported synergies between viral respiratory infections, for example, flu and meningococcal infections as the viral infections may potentiate the spread."
Response From Authorities
Susan Hopkins said: "I can't yet say where the initial infection came from, how it's got into this cohort, and why it's created such an explosive amount of infections." The UK Health Security Agency is working to determine the cause of the outbreak and prevent further cases.
