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Menb

All articles tagged with #menb

health24 days ago•3 min saved

Canterbury meningitis outbreak prompts vaccination push and policy review

An explosive outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury’s Club Chemistry has reached 20 cases and two deaths as of 17 March, with the MenB strain confirmed. Health officials have launched antibiotics distribution and a targeted MenB vaccination program for University of Kent students living in halls, and JCVI may be asked to re-examine Teen MenB vaccination eligibility. UKHSA notes MenB accounts for about 80% of recent UK cases, and experts say the Canterbury outbreak’s pace and scale are unprecedented.

via The Guardian|

#canterbury #health #menb

health24 days ago•42 min saved

UK meningitis outbreak sparks national health incident response

A meningitis outbreak in Kent (with cases also in London) has been upgraded to a national health incident after cases rose from 15 to about 20, many linked to Canterbury’s Club Chemistry. Officials warn of rapid, potentially super-spreader transmission, including the deaths of an 18-year-old sixth-form pupil and a 21-year-old University of Kent student, and a nine‑month‑old baby is critically ill. Authorities have distributed antibiotics to some 700 students and will offer MenB vaccination to about 5,000 Kent students while investigating the outbreak’s origin and whether a mutant MenB strain is involved. No school closures have been announced as containment efforts continue.

via Yahoo|

#club-chemistry #health #kent

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

health4 months ago•6 min saved

Meningitis B Vaccination Urged Following Student's Death in Pontypool

The death of 18-year-old Meg Draper from meningitis B has sparked calls for the NHS to offer the MenB vaccine to young adults, as it is currently only available to young children, despite the bacteria's risk to teenagers and young adults. Her parents, unaware of the vaccine's availability for their age group, advocate for increased awareness and access to prevent similar tragedies.

via BBC|

#health #menb #meningitis