Meningitis Cases Rising in Parts of the UK – What to Watch For
Health officials are dealing with a recent meningitis outbreak in Kent, mainly affecting students and young people in the Canterbury area.
So far, there have been around 29 to 34 cases, and sadly two people have died. Health teams are working quickly to stop it spreading, including offering vaccines and antibiotics to people who may have been in close contact.
Meningitis is a serious illness that can make people very unwell very quickly. It’s caused by an infection around the brain and spinal cord.
It’s not as easy to catch as something like a cold, but it can spread through close contact, such as coughing, kissing, or sharing drinks.
Symptoms to look out for
At first, meningitis can feel like flu, which makes it harder to spot. But symptoms can get worse quickly. Look out for:
- A high temperature
- A bad headache
- A stiff neck
- Feeling or being sick
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling very sleepy or hard to wake
- Cold hands and feet, aching limbs, or pale skin
- A rash that does not fade when you press it
If someone has these symptoms, it’s important to get medical help straight away.
What’s being done?
Health teams have been quick to respond. They are:
- Giving out vaccines to people at risk
- Providing antibiotics to close contacts
- Tracking who may have been exposed
Thousands of people have already been contacted to help prevent more cases.
What should you do?
There’s no need to panic, but it’s important to stay aware. Make sure you:
- Know the symptoms
- Seek help quickly if you’re worried
- Check vaccinations are up to date, especially for young people