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Kent Outbreak

All articles tagged with #kent outbreak

health4 hours ago•2 min saved

Kent meningitis B outbreak spurs second-dose vaccination for 12,000

Following a Kent meningitis B outbreak that claimed two lives, the NHS will offer a second MenB vaccine dose to about 12,000 people who had the first dose in March, with clinics in Canterbury, Faversham and Ashford and online booking; eligibility will expand beyond university halls to others exposed, and the second dose must be given at least four weeks after the first as part of a nationwide vaccination response coordinated by UKHSA and supported by JCVI review discussions.

via BBC|

#health #kent-outbreak #menb-vaccine

health14 days ago•6 min saved

Kent meningitis cluster sparks vaccine policy rethink for teens

A Kent meningitis outbreak with 20 confirmed cases and two deaths has prompted scientists to explore whether a new bacterial variant, waning immunity among teens, or crowded social settings drove transmission, and to reassess whether teenagers or university students should be offered the MenB vaccine. While meningitis remains extremely rare, experts say the future is uncertain and policy may change if cases rise, as health authorities note a 40-50% chance of more cases but a low chance of a widespread outbreak.

via BBC|

#health #kent-outbreak #meningitis

health17 days ago•4 min saved

Kent meningitis outbreak prompts criticism over two-day reporting delay

The NHS delayed alerting UK health officials about a meningitis case in Margate by about two days, despite invasive meningitis being a notifiable disease that should be reported immediately. The delay hindered contact tracing and early warnings during an outbreak that has 23 suspected/probable cases, two deaths and several in intensive care; UKHSA says a large-scale public health response followed once multiple cases emerged, while the hospital and experts condemned the delay.

via BBC|

#health #kent-outbreak #meningitis

health23 days ago•3 min saved

Meningitis survivor urges vaccination as Kent outbreak grows

A meningitis survivor who lost limbs to sepsis is urging vaccination amid a Kent outbreak that has two deaths and around 20 confirmed or suspected cases (six MenB); a vaccine program is targeting 5,000 University of Kent students as the 19-year-old Hamish Wilson continues his recovery.

via BBC|

#amputee #health #kent-outbreak

health24 days ago•6 min saved

Kent meningitis B outbreak renews call to reconsider teen vaccination in the UK

Five new meningitis B cases in Kent have prompted a targeted vaccination drive for students after two deaths, with teens still not routinely offered MenB in the UK since the vaccine is primarily given to babies; JCVI previously found MenB vaccination for teens not cost-effective, though the Health Secretary has asked them to re-examine eligibility. In outbreaks, antibiotics for close contacts are prioritized, vaccines don’t provide immediate protection, and debates continue about whether teenagers should be offered MenB, alongside private vaccination options at a cost.

via BBC|

#health #jcvi #kent-outbreak