Meningitis outbreak among youth in England. Source — a nightclub
An outbreak of meningitis has been recorded among young people in the English county of Kent. Approximately 20 cases of infection are known, two people — a schoolgirl and a student — have died, reports The Guardian.
Queue for antibiotics near the University of Kent. Photo: Carl Court / Getty Images
Meningitis is a dangerous infection that affects the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. In this case, it is type B, caused by the meningococcus bacterium, which is transmitted by airborne droplets.
The outbreak began in early March. Most of the sick are young people aged 18-21. Some cases have already been laboratory confirmed, while others are still being tested.
It is believed that the source of the infection could have been a popular nightclub in Canterbury, where parties were held in early March. The infection likely spread quickly through close contacts, including in student dormitories.
Doctors note that such a scale of spread in a short time is a very rare case. People who visited this club or are generally associated with the university are advised to take antibiotics.
Several thousand doses of drugs have already been used in the region, and vaccination of students is also planned. However, pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of vaccines, and some people are being put on a waiting list.
Authorities believe that the situation can be brought under control through treatment and vaccinations, and do not expect a widespread outbreak of the disease across the country.
Now reading
Statkevich on the Unknown from the 2020 Events and Conclusions from Them: The New Government Will Be Formed Not by Those Who Emigrated, But by Those Who Remove the Old One 3131
Comments