This blog post concerns an ongoing incident and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Three young people in Weymouth, Dorset have been confirmed to have meningitis B, known as MenB. All-three individuals have received treatment and are recovering well. These cases are not linked to the recent outbreak in Kent and this outbreak is not showing the same speed of transmission or severity of illness.
What we know so far
The first 2 cases are linked through a shared social network and are confirmed as having the same MenB strain.
A third case was initially not known to be connected to the first 2. However, laboratory testing has now confirmed that this case is caused by the same strain.
This does not necessarily mean that the individuals had direct contact with each other, but it does suggest that this strain may be circulating among young people in the Weymouth area.
Is this outbreak linked to the Kent outbreak?
All-three cases are a different strain of MenB to the one identified in the recent Kent outbreak, and are not linked to that incident.
What UKHSA is doing
Working alongside the NHS and Dorset Council, UKHSA is offering preventative antibiotic treatment and vaccination to a number of young people who live or study in the area.
Our health protection teams are interviewing cases and their families to identify close contacts and to help limit further spread. Advice has been issued to staff, parents and carers at all educational settings in the area.
There is no need for schools to change their routines, and children should continue to attend as normal.
Who should come forward for antibiotics?
As a precautionary measure, UKHSA is advising the following groups to collect preventative antibiotics:
- anyone who lives in Weymouth or Portland or Chickerell and is in current school years 7 to 13 (or equivalent), or anyone not in full time education who would be in one of these year groups
or
- anyone who attends an educational setting in the Weymouth, Portland or Chickerell area and is in current school years 7 to 13 (or equivalent).
Antibiotics will be offered in stages. Pupils from Budmouth Academy and Wey Valley schools will be invited to come forward to collect them over this weekend (18 and 19 April).
Pupils who attend other schools and other eligible children in Weymouth who do not attend school will be invited after the weekend. Details of where this will take place are being finalised and will be confirmed shortly.
All young people being offered antibiotics will also be offered a MenB vaccination, however antibiotics provide the most effective short-term protection. More information on the vaccination schedule will be provided in due course.
How have we decided who is eligible for antibiotics?
Meningococcal disease can sometimes spread through social networks, and while all-three cases are resident in Weymouth, we haven't been able to identify a specific setting or grouping that connects them all. This suggests the strain may be circulating more widely among young people in the area.
Because we know young people interact and move around in many different ways, it is important to take a broad approach rather than target a single school or venue. We are therefore offering antibiotics to all secondary school age children who either live in or attend school in the Weymouth area. We believe this gives us the best chance of reaching the social networks involved and preventing further cases.
Am I still at risk if I have had the MenACWY vaccine?
Although the MenACWY vaccine offers good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as MenB, can circulate among young adults and the MenACWY vaccine does not protect against MenB.
Know the symptoms
Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly. Everyone should be aware of the signs, regardless of vaccination status. Symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, drowsiness, rapid breathing, shivering, and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it - but a rash does not always appear.
What to do if you are concerned
If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, do not wait - go to your nearest A&E or call 999 immediately. Trust your instincts and do not wait for all symptoms to appear. Early treatment can be lifesaving. If you are unsure whether symptoms are serious, contact NHS 111 online or call 111.