Meningitis update as UKHSA confirms five new cases in horror outbreak

The latest meningitis update comes as more than two dozen people contracted the disease, with two people confirmed to have died - including 18-year-old Juliette Kenny

Meningitis cases have increased again, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) announced in its latest update, as the Kent outbreak continues to grow.

The number of cases of meningitis linked to an outbreak in Kent has risen to 34, up from 29 previously, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said, including both confirmed and suspected cases. As of 5pm on 20 March, the agency said 23 laboratory cases are confirmed, and 11 notifications remain under investigation, bringing the total to 34.

The UKHSA takes data from the previous day to paint a picture of the overall outbreak, with the latest data from Friday showing the increase compared to Thursday.

On Friday, the agency reported that, as of 12.30pm the day before, 18 laboratory cases are confirmed and 11 cases remain under investigation - giving a total of 29 suspected cases overall.

Two young people have died during the outbreak: Juliette Kenny, 18, who was studying for her A-levels, and a University of Kent student aged 21. The number of cases is expected to rise as the incubation period from infection to when symptoms appear is two to 14 days.

It comes after it emerged an infected patient may have returned to the nightclub at the centre of the outbreak. Health officials say one person who is now thought to have the disease went back to Club Chemistry for a second visit - potentially infecting other clubbers.

Juliette’s father, Michael, said she died on Saturday just one day after showing symptoms of vomiting and discolouration in her cheeks. He said: “Juliette is a force in this world. The devastation of her loss to us, her family and friends is immeasurable."

He first became aware that his daughter was ill when she vomited in the early hours of last Friday. Juliette, a year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, exhibited no other symptoms at that time.

Dr Ben Rush, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA 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."

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