Public health considers the safety of local neighborhoods and global communities, and with new strains and mutations of various diseases constantly emerging, public health continues to face new crises. In the UK, public health concerns are at their highest due to a meningitis outbreak in Kent, located Southeast of Greater London.
Since last Thursday, at least 27 cases of meningitis have been reported in Kent, including two deaths as well. Of the 27 cases, 15 are lab-confirmed, while 12 remain suspected cases under investigation. It’s claimed to be an “unprecedented outbreak” by Wes Streeting, England’s health secretary.
But what is meningitis, and what danger does it pose to public health?
Meningitis is a potentially lethal yet uncommon viral infection. It primarily attacks the meninges, the protective linings around the brain. The outbreak stems from meningococcal bacteria, which are typically found in the nose and throat. Currently, around 10% of the Kent population has traces of this exact potentially deadly bacteria. Although there are multiple strains of the meningococcal bacteria, such as MenA, MenB, MenC, and others, the one most relevant to Kent’s situation appears to be MenB, which can also cause infections beyond meningitis, such as septicemia. Septicemia is an infection of the bloodstream, rather than one of the throat or nose.
Those most vulnerable to meningitis are typically children, teenagers, and young adults. Although children have weaker and less developed immune systems, it’s actually teenagers who face the greatest risk. In social settings such as school and after-school activities, about 25% currently carry the bug, spreading it to their peers. It’s essential that schools inform students of the lethal risk of meningococcal disease, as according to the Oxford Vaccine Group, around one in twenty people with this infection dies. In fact, these death rates only rise further for teenagers and young adults.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease can feel minor at first, especially in the disease’s first stages. It can easily be mistaken for other illnesses, such as a fever, due to overlap in symptoms. Typical symptoms include a fever, vomiting, and headaches, while distinct symptoms are a stiff neck and sensitivity to light. The disease can also cause long-term complications as well, such as hearing loss or neurological damage.
Meningococcal disease can be fatal because it progresses rapidly. In a matter of hours, the initial “average” symptoms can progress to difficulty staying awake, confusion, or even seizures. Because meningococcal disease can advance so quickly, it’s crucial that people seek treatment as soon as possible.
One reason meningococcal disease spreads so quickly is that transmission is extremely easy, especially when people are not careful. Acts such as kissing or sharing utensils are common modes of transmission due to contact with saliva. Meningitis isn’t simply casual contact, but requires a share of fluids.
If a person suspects that they might have meningococcal disease, immediate action must be taken. At the emergency department, people can begin antibiotics right away. Preventive antibiotics are also offered in cases in which people (usually household or romantic partners) who had direct exposure to those already confirmed with meningitis.
In Kent, thousands of doses of preventive antibiotics and vaccines have already been distributed to schools and those at high risk. For instance, at the University of Kent, all students in housing have already been provided with precautionary antibiotics.
Currently, health officials say it’s too early to tell whether the outbreak has reached its peak. Hundreds of young adults line up for hours, only to be told the clinic is closing and they must return the next day. Staff are limited now more than ever, with health professionals from schools and sexual health clinics supporting efforts to prevent the outbreak. Now, it’s simply a matter of time, as the effectiveness of the precautions will determine how far—and how fast—the outbreak will continue to spread.
