Public Health Jersey issues advice following UK meningitis outbreak

Students and young people should check they are up to date with their meningitis vaccines following a fatal outbreak of the disease in the UK.

20 cases of meningitis have now been confirmed in Kent.  Two young people have died.

At least four of the meningitis cases have been confirmed as Meningitis B, or MenB - a serious bacterial form of the illness.

A targeted vaccine rollout will begin today (18 March) for students in halls of residence at the University of Kent.

Routine vaccination of babies for MenB was only rolled out in 2015.  The UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he would ask the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to "re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines".

Hundreds of people in Canterbury, including those who attended a nightclub called Club Chemistry between 5-7 March, have been given preventative antibiotics.

The response to the 'unprecedented' outbreak is being coordinated by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Public Health Jersey says local students who are studying in the area, including those returning home for the Easter break, should follow the advice provided by UKHSA and their university.

It says the risk to people living outside the affected are is 'very low'.

However, it is recommending students and young adults check that they are up to date with all routinely recommended vaccinations including all meningitis vaccines.

In Jersey, the MenACWY vaccine is available free of charge up to the age of 25.

Anyone unsure about their vaccination status can contact the Immunisation Team on 01534 443741 or their GP practice for advice.

Professor Peter Bradley, Director of Public Health said:

“While we are aware of the meningitis cases reported in Kent, the risk to Islanders remains very low.

"Jersey continues to have good vaccination rates among children and young people, which provides strong protection against a range of serious illnesses, including meningococcal disease.

"We strongly encourage teenagers and young adults to ensure they are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations, including the free MenACWY vaccine available locally up to the age of 25.

“It is important that young people remain vigilant to the symptoms of meningitis and seek urgent medical help if they have any concerns.

"Public Health Jersey will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in regular contact with our UK health protection colleagues.”

Advice for Jersey students in the area

• follow advice issued by UKHSA, their university, and local health services
• attend any clinics if they are identified as contacts, and take a full course of antibiotics if this is offered
• seek urgent medical advice if they develop symptoms suggestive of meningitis.
• check vaccination status with GPs or the Immunisation Team
• reduce the risk from Meningococcal bacteria by:

1. avoiding sharing drinks, bottles, cigarettes, vapes or eating utensils
2. covering coughs and sneezes and disposing of tissues promptly
3. maintaining good hand hygiene, particularly after coughing or sneezing

Awareness of symptoms

Meningitis can initially resemble flu or a hangover.

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• a high temperature
• vomiting
• headache
• rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
• stiff neck
• a dislike of bright lights
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• seizures (fits)

These symptoms can appear in any order, and patients do not always get all the symptoms.

If someone is concerned about possible meningitis symptoms, they should seek urgent medical advice from the emergency department.

Advice for Jersey students elsewhere

• check vaccination status with GPs or the Immunisation Team
• be aware of the symptoms of meningitis
• reduce the risk from Meningococcal bacteria by:

1. avoiding sharing drinks, bottles, cigarettes, vapes or eating utensils
2. covering coughs and sneezes and disposing of tissues promptly
3. maintaining good hand hygiene, particularly after coughing or sneezing