Kent meningitis outbreak: warning signs and symptoms parents should know
As meningitis cases rise in Kent, here are the signs to spot in babies, toddlers and teens.
Meningitis is back in the headlines following a serious outbreak in Kent, where two people aged between 18 and 21 have died, including a student at the University of Kent. BBC South East understands that a further 11 people from the Canterbury area are currently in hospital and reported to be seriously ill, with most aged between 18 and 21.
More than 30,000 students, staff and their families are being contacted by the UK Health Security Agency to inform them of the situation and advised that people living and working in certain accommodation blocks on campus should receive antibiotics "without delay". Hundreds of students have been pictured queuing for preventative treatment.
Three schools, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys and Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, have also confirmed cases among Year 13 pupils. The outbreak is thought to be linked to a social event in Canterbury, although the specific strain of the disease has not yet been identified.
While the current cases involve teenagers and young adults, health experts stress that meningitis can affect anyone. It is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Babies, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, remain one of the most vulnerable groups.
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: "Meningitis can progress very quickly and its impact is devastating, particularly for young people and their loved ones.
Students and young adults are among the groups at increased risk because meningitis bacteria can spread more easily in settings where people live, study and socialise closely together.
For parents watching the news unfold, it can feel frightening. But knowing the early warning signs, understanding how vaccination works and acting quickly if you are concerned can make all the difference.
Here is what every mum and dad should know about the symptoms, vaccines and when to seek urgent help.
What is meningitis and why is it so serious?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious and can lead to blood poisoning, also known as septicaemia.
In the current outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency said it had been notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia in the Canterbury area over a single weekend.
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, described the impact of the disease in stark terms. It causes "devastation when it strikes".
Of those infected by bacterial meningitis "around one in 10 will die", he said, adding it is not unusual for people to die within 24 hours or less. "It causes untold pain and devastation to families," he said, adding there is "something particularly nasty about this disease".
Meningitis symptoms in babies and toddlers
Symptoms can appear in any order and can develop over one to two days, or in just a matter of hours.
In babies and very young children, look out for:
- A high temperature
- Cold hands and feet despite a fever
- Clammy, pale skin
- Sleepiness or difficulty waking
- Refusing feeds
- Vomiting, which can be projectile
- A bulging or tense fontanel, the soft spot on your baby’s head
- Irritability when handled
- A high-pitched cry, especially when handled
- A purple rash that does not fade when pressed
Neck stiffness and sensitivity to bright lights are common symptoms in older children and adults, but are unusual in babies.
One of the challenges for parents is that early symptoms can look like the flu or a common virus. Health officials warn that you do not always get all the symptoms.
What is septicaemia and what are the signs?
Septicaemia, sometimes called blood poisoning, can occur alongside meningitis and is particularly dangerous.
Warning signs include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Very cold hands and feet
- Rapid breathing
- A rash that does not fade under pressure
Many of the symptoms associated with meningitis only appear once the disease is already advanced. That is why acting fast is so important. Hospitals would always rather check a child who turns out to be fine than see one arrive too late.
The glass test every parent should know
If your child develops a rash, try the glass test.
Press a clear glass firmly against the rash. If the rash does not fade under pressure, it could be a sign of septicaemia. On darker skin tones, check paler areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, inside the eyelids or the roof of the mouth.
If the rash does not fade, seek urgent medical help immediately. Do not wait.
Why babies are routinely vaccinated against MenB
Since 2015, babies in the UK have been offered the MenB vaccine, which protects against meningococcal group B bacteria. Doses are given at eight weeks, 12 weeks and one year.
Dr Ellie Cannon, a GP, said it is "very possible" that teenagers and young adults affected in the current outbreak "were not vaccinated for Meningitis B because that was not on the schedule when those young adults were babies".
Research suggests the MenB vaccine does not significantly influence transmission, does not cover all strains and does not provide particularly long-lasting protection. For those reasons, UK vaccine experts have concluded it is not routinely recommended for adolescents on the NHS.
Teenagers are instead offered the MenACWY vaccine at school, which protects against four other types of meningococcal bacteria. The MenACWY vaccine is free up to the age of 25 for those who missed it at school.
If you are unsure whether your child is up to date, check their red book or contact your GP practice. You can also check vaccination records via the NHS app.
When to seek urgent help
If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help immediately. Go to your nearest A&E department or call 999.
Health officials advising students in Kent said they should trust their instincts and "do not wait for all symptoms to appear or for a rash to develop before seeking help".
That advice applies just as strongly to parents of babies and toddlers. You know your child best. If something feels seriously wrong, it is always worth getting them checked.