The number of meningitis cases in the UK’s outbreak has risen to 34, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.The numbers include two students – A 21-year-old student at the University of Kent and a sixth form pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham – who died from the virus in Kent last weekend.
University students who were turned away for meningitis vaccines on Friday were seen queuing on Saturday morning.The UKHSA said that as of 5pm on Friday, 23 laboratory cases of meningitis were confirmed, and 11 notifications remained under investigation.In its daily update, the agency said that 4,500 vaccinations had been given, and over 10,500 doses of antibiotics had been administered.
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Students queuing to receive vaccines and antibiotics at the University of Kent campus in Canterbury on Saturday. Pics: PA
Dr Ben Rush, UKHSA consultant in Communicable Disease Control, said: “We continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country to ensure enhanced surveillance is in place. Any new cases will be identified quickly and responded to.”It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination and we’d like to thank everyone involved in this effort so far.
“It’s vital that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops symptoms.”The risk to the wider population remains low and UKHSA continues to work with partners to identify contacts and offer necessary treatment.”
More than 400 people were queuing outside the University of Kent campus clinic waiting to receive vaccines by the time it opened at 9am on Saturday.Students close to the front told the PA news agency that they had been waiting since 7am, and one said they had waited since around 5am.This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.Please refresh the page for the fullest version.You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Jattvibe app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
