Meningitis Outbreak

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Dear All,
Please find information regarding recent Meningitis outbreak in Kent:
Please redirect to the below UKHSA – UK Health Security Agency – website where they can find daily updates:
This is the latest update from UKHSA – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent

  • Only Patients who were at the Night Club, Club Chemistry on 5,6,7th of March and anyone at the University of Kent who have been advised by UKHSA as a close contact, are being offered Antibiotics.
  • At this time, it is advisable that any Patient with Meningitis symptoms needs to attend A&E immediately.
  • If you have been in contact with anyone who has Meningitis – please refer to the Public Health and UKHSA.
  • Following UKHSA advise, at this time the Surgery are not allowed to prescribe the antibiotic to patients, unless the specific circumstances exist.

This is rapidly changing situation.

  • Further information on meningococcal disease
  • Under no circumstances Patients with Meningitis symptoms come into the Surgery.
  • No vaccination will be offered outside the NHS vaccination schedule, at this time.

Please find below symptoms of Meningitis:
Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:

  • a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
  • sudden onset of high fever
  • severe and worsening headache
  • stiff neck
  • vomiting and diarrhoea
  • joint and muscle pain
  • dislike of bright lights
  • very cold hands and feet
  • seizures
  • confusion/delirium
  • extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking