The outbreak in the Canterbury area is causing understandable concern. This disease is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Key points to note are:
- It is not regarded as being highly infectious, however, it can progress rapidly. It is normally spread via respiratory droplets – which could include kissing, or sharing drinks, vapes but also coughing and sneezing and being in very close contact.
- Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.
- Early symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses such as a cold, flu or hangover and students/young people are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs.
GPs are prescribing antibiotics to University of Kent students, with whom a targeted vaccination programme has begun. We understand that UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will continue to assess ongoing risk to other populations and the programme may be extended.
What should schools do?
- Ensure awareness of the symptoms among staff and young people – this blog from the UKHSA gives clear guidance What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself – UK Health Security Agency. Awareness is not just important for schools in the Kent area, we do not know how the disease will spread.
- Schools in affected areas who have not already received guidance should contact their local UKHSA health protection team for specialist public health advice Contacts: UKHSA health protection teams - GOV.UK
- Follow the Meningitis and Septicaemia Checklist in Children and young people settings: tools and resources - GOV.UK for suspected cases.
- If any member of staff or pupil develops any of the symptoms described above, seek medical help immediately by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency. Knowing the signs and taking early treatment can be lifesaving.
- Support any member of staff or pupil who wishes to wear a face covering. In this case, FFP2 or FFP3 face masks are recommended.
- Where members are concerned about their individual risk, they should contact their GP for advice about antibiotics and vaccination.
- Where there is concern that official advice is not being followed, or hasn’t been sought, raise these concerns collectively and seek urgent advice from your local officer or from the Advice Line.