As you will be aware, there is currently a meningitis outbreak in Kent. We are very sorry to hear that two young people have sadly died and a number of others are reported to be in hospital and our thoughts are with all those affected.

The UK Health Security Agency are currently working to contain the outbreak in Kent, and have reassured the public that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

However, it is important that students and staff remain vigilant, as always, to the signs and symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia (which are also known as Meningococcal disease).

Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:

  • a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
  • sudden onset of high fever
  • severe and worsening headache
  • stiff neck
  • vomiting and diarrhoea
  • joint and muscle pain
  • dislike of bright lights
  • very cold hands and feet
  • seizures
  • confusion/delirium
  • extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking.

If you, or someone you know, is displaying any of these signs or symptoms, contact the appropriate doctors' surgery immediately or call 111, or 999 in a medical emergency.

Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover. That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them. This could save their life.

Vaccination

It’s also an important reminder for young people and students up to the age of 25, including overseas students, to make sure they have been vaccinated against meningitis. The MenACWY vaccine gives protection against four strains of meningococcal disease: MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY.

However, it does not protect against Meningococcal B (MenB), which is why it is still so important to make sure you are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease.

Students, up to the age of 25, can access the MenACWY vaccine via their GP practice. If you are not already registered with a GP, this is an important thing to do. Read more information on how to register with a GP practice at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery.

Further advice on meningitis and an information leaflet can be obtained from the Meningitis Research Foundation 0808 800 3344 or at www.meningitis.org, or from Meningitis Now 0808 80 10 388 or at www.meningitisnow.org.

For further information about the different meningitis vaccinations available, including frequently asked questions, visit the Meningitis Research Foundation’s website at www.meningitis.org/meningitis/vaccine-information.

Information about the MenACWY and MenB vaccines is also available on NHS.uk:

MenACWY - www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/men-acwy-vaccine

MenB - www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/meningitis-b-vaccine