JERSEY’S Public Health officials are encouraging teenagers and young adults to ensure they are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations and to “remain vigilant” to the disease’s symptoms following an outbreak in the UK.
However, Public Health director Professor Peter Bradley said that the risk to Islanders “remains very low” and noted that Jersey “continues to have good vaccination rates among children and young people”.
His comments follow reports of meningitis cases affecting young people in Canterbury and the surrounding area, including students at the University of Kent.
The UK Health Security Agency yesterday stated that 15 cases had been identified so far.
This includes the deaths of a University of Kent student and a sixth-form pupil in Faversham.
Providing an update in Westminster on Tuesday, UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting described the outbreak as “a rapidly developing situation”.
He said: “My thoughts, and I’m sure the thoughts of the entire house, will be with the families and friends of those two young people who’ve sadly died. I cannot begin to understand what they must be going through.
“This is an unprecedented outbreak.”
The UKHSA has announced that a “small targeted vaccination programme” is being implemented, starting with students resident at the University of Kent.
“The vaccination programme may be expanded further as UKHSA continues to asses any ongoing risk to other populations,” the statement continued.
“For now, the priority remains for those offered antibiotics to come forward as this is highly effective at preventing the disease and transmission.”
It noted that some of the individuals affected had visited the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury between 5 and 7 March prior to becoming unwell, and that UKHSA’s health protection team was “working closely with the nightclub and partners including the University of Kent to limit the spread”.
“Students needing antibiotics have been offered them through the university,” it added.
Some of the cases have been confirmed as group B meningococcal disease.
In September, Jersey’s Primary Care Body said that doctors had “definitely seen an increased demand” for the meningitis B vaccination last year, particularly in those going to the UK for university.
In a statement, Public Health Jersey said that “students from Jersey studying in the area, including those returning home for the Easter break, should follow the advice provided by UKHSA and their university”.
“Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
“It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults, it can be very serious if not treated quickly. It is important that Islanders are aware of the symptoms of meningitis and that urgent medical attention is sought if there are concerns about symptoms via the emergency department.”
Public Health is recommending that students and young adults check that they are up to date with “all routinely recommended vaccinations”, including meningitis vaccines.
“In Jersey, the MenACWY vaccine is available free of charge up to the age of 25,” the statement continued.
“This vaccine protects against several important strains of meningococcal disease and is recommended for teenagers and young adults, including those attending university.”
It added that anyone who is unsure about their vaccination status can contact the Immunisation Team on 01534 443741 or their GP practice for advice.
“It has been confirmed that the strain of meningitis circulating in Kent is MenB. This is a form of bacterial meningitis, which is very rare and when seen it is most likely to affect babies and very young children.
“MenB vaccination is part of the baby and pre-school routine vaccination schedule and was introduced in 2015.
“Extensive reviews of the efficiency of the MenB vaccine by the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) show that vaccination reduces the disease in infants, however, it does not stop the spread of the bacteria among teenagers.”
The statement noted that the current situation “is being managed by UKHSA and local health services” but added that Public Health Jersey “will continue to monitor developments with UK health protection partners”.
Professor Peter Bradley, director of Public Health said that the risk to Islanders “remains very low”.
“Jersey continues to have good vaccination rates among children and young people, which provides strong protection against a range of serious illnesses, including meningococcal disease,” he continued.
“We strongly encourage teenagers and young adults to ensure they are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations, including the free MenACWY vaccine available locally up to the age of 25.”
Professor Bradley added that it was “important that young people remain vigilant to the symptoms of meningitis” and that they seek urgent medical help if they have any concerns.
“Public Health Jersey will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in regular contact with our UK health protection colleagues.”
