"We are monitoring the situation closely" - University of Portsmouth statement following outbreak of meningitis in Kent

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has now reported that there 20 cases in Kent as of today (March 18) with six of them confirmed as the bacterial form of meningitis (Meningitis B).

Young adults attending university or colleges are most at risk of the disease due to the increased chance of the infection being spread through interaction with lots of new people.

Concerns have been heightened across the country following the death of the two students in Kent, a 21-year-old university student and an 18-year-old sixth form pupil.

A University of Portsmouth spokesperson said: "While there is no known cases of meningitis linked to the University of Portsmouth, we are monitoring the situation closely and in liaison with relevant public health authorities.

"As a precaution, we encourage anyone who is feeling unwell or has health concerns to seek medical advice. For general health advice and information about meningitis, please visit the NHS website at nhs.uk or contact your GP."

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UKHSA have called the outbreak a “rapidly evolving situation” and confirmed that an individual who lived in Kent has attended a hospital in London where they have “no community contacts”.

All of the people that have been affected by the outbreak are young adults. However, a baby has been diagnosed with Meningitis B but the UKHSA believe it is not linked to the outbreak and are continuing to investigate

The signs and symptoms of meningitis can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Some meningitis cases can lead to Septicaemia, a poisoning of the blood, which can also cause a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.

A UKHSA spokesperson said: “Early symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses such as a cold, flu or hangover and students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs.

“If you or anyone you know develops any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency. Knowing the signs and taking early treatment can be lifesaving.”

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Antibiotics are considered the most effective treatment to limit the spread of the disease with over 2,500 doses given out to students in Kent, and those who visited a nightclub that has been linked to the outbreak.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, commenting on the situation in Kent, said: “Around 2,500 doses of antibiotics have now been administered across sites in Kent and we continue to encourage close contacts to come forward for the treatment.

This includes those offered at the University of Kent and anyone who visited Club Chemistry between 5-7 March. This is the main intervention that will help protect people and halt the spread of the outbreak.

“As a further precaution and together with the NHS, we are beginning to roll out a targeted MenB vaccination programme. This will initially be offered to 5,000 university of Kent students resident at the Canterbury campus, with the possibility that it may be extended, as it is kept under continual review.

“If you think you may have symptoms of meningitis, don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111. Seeking early treatment can save lives.”