- Two people have died in Kent following an outbreak of invasive meningitis, prompting health officials to urge hundreds to seek preventative antibiotic treatment.
- Some confirmed cases are meningitis B, a strain for which most young people born before 2015 are not protected unless privately vaccinated, as the NHS jab was introduced for babies in 2015.
- Attendees of Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5, 6 or 7 March have been specifically advised to get antibiotics as a precautionary measure against the infection.
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating the outbreak, with warnings issued for vigilance regarding symptoms, particularly among university students who are highly susceptible.
- A former health minister has called for consideration of a 'catch-up' vaccination campaign for young people, given the increased risk and the severity of the disease.
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