A college student has died and two other young people are receiving treatment following a meningitis outbreak in Reading. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed three new cases in an update on Thursday, May 14.
Meningitis B Strain Identified
One of the cases has been confirmed as meningitis B, the same strain responsible for a cluster of cases in Kent that resulted in two deaths in March. The UKHSA stated that close contacts of the affected individuals are being offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
However, the agency emphasized that large outbreaks are rare and the risk to the wider public remains low. Dr. Rachel Mearkle, consultant in health protection, said: "We understand that many people will be affected by this sad news and would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of this student. Students and staff will naturally be feeling worried about the likelihood of further cases. However, meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread, and large outbreaks, as we saw in Kent recently, are thankfully rare."
Public Health Response
Dr. Mearkle added: "We are working closely with partners and have provided public health advice and precautionary antibiotic treatment to close contacts of the cases. Meningococcal disease does not spread easily, and the risk to the wider public remains low."
According to the Mirror, a GP surgery reported that the deceased student attended Henley College in Oxfordshire. A message sent to patients from Hart Surgery in Henley-on-Thames read: "We have been in contact with the UK Health Security Agency this morning regarding the very sad news that a student at Henley College has died with suspected meningococcal disease. They have confirmed that they are actively contacting those who may be at risk due to a close association with the student involved. If you have not been contacted by the UK Health Security Agency, then currently you do not require any treatment."
College Operations Continue
Staff and students have been advised that they can attend the college as usual. The message continued: "The number of confirmed cases is very low, so there are currently no plans for a local emergency meningitis vaccination programme."
The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation and provide guidance to prevent further spread.
