Information:
Meningitis Update
The Health Security Agency has identified 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease between 13th and 16th March, including 4 confirmed Men B cases involving University of Kent students and local sixth form students, with several sharing exposure at Club Chemistry in Canterbury on the 5th to 7th March.
Antibiotics are being offered to students and staff living and working on the Canterbury Campus or living in affected halls, anyone who attended Club Chemistry between 5th to 7th March and close contacts identified by the Health Security Agency.
What This Means for Our Patients
Our area is not currently affected, and the situation remains focused in Kent. Staying informed is sensible, but there is no need for concern for those who have not recently travelled to, or had contact with people from, the affected region.
General Advice
Meningitis can have a range of symptoms that are also common in other illnesses. If you feel unwell after recent travel to the Kent area or being in contact with someone who has, please reach out to us for advice.
Health authorities in the outbreak zone are offering antibiotics to close contacts as a precaution, and we will update patients if guidance changes.
If the guidance changes regarding vaccination we will be contacting eligible students via text.
There are no changes to national guidance at present.
