To reassure, East Kent Colleges Group does not have any confirmed meningitis cases at present.
We understand there may be some concern regarding a small number of individuals who have reported symptoms. Following a thorough risk assessment, considering both the likelihood of infection and the risk of transmission, UKHSA has found no evidence of an increased risk to students. Therefore, there is no need for anyone to stay away from College provided they remain well and symptom-free.
Some individuals may already have been identified as close contacts during earlier stages of the assessment, or through links with other cases or locations, and may have been offered prophylactic treatment (preventative antibiotics and vaccine) through local NHS hubs (Meningitis outbreak information hub | ICS). For those individuals who have already been assessed as eligible, this offer remains in place. However, given the very low risk of transmission, we are not extending prophylaxis (preventative antibiotics and vaccine) more widely.
Meningococcal disease does not spread easily, and outbreaks of this size are rare. However, we have included some general information below for awareness.
Further information about invasive meningococcal disease
Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. The onset of illness is often sudden, and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital. While meningococcal disease can affect all ages, recent outbreaks have shown that older children, teenagers and young adults, particularly those in shared settings such as schools, colleges and universities, are more likely to be affected.
How invasive meningococcal disease spreads
Meningococcal infection doesn’t spread very easily. The bacteria can only be passed to others after a long period of close contact, for example, living with someone in shared accommodation, through prolonged kissing or sharing vapes.
People may be offered preventive antibiotics if they have had significant, close contact with someone with meningococcal disease in the last seven days.
Signs and symptoms
Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. You should seek urgent medical help if you develop any symptoms of meningococcal disease.
- High temperature
- Vomiting or diarrhoea and stomach cramps
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright light
- Rash or bruising rash
- Rapid breathing
- Joint or muscle pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Pale blotchy skin
- Confusion and/or irritability
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Seizures or fits
One or more of these symptoms may develop, and they can appear in any order.
More information
For more information, visit the NHS website nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/ or see the information available from two charities who offer free support via their websites and helplines:
The Meningitis Research Foundation
Helpline UK: 080 8800 3344
Meningitis Now
Helpline: 0808 80 10 388
More information for educational settings about this outbreak can also be found here:
Information for education settings in England regarding the meningococcal disease outbreak – GOV.UK
We are a group of six community-based colleges
