College students demand closure amid meningitis outbreak

These demands follow multiple alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) about the outbreak.

As of March 18, the agency reported a total of 15 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease, an additional 12 probable cases and two deaths in the county of Kent in southeast England. The University of Kent is located in Canterbury, a historic city within Kent.

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Meningococcal disease It is a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It can cause two life-threatening conditions: meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and a bloodstream infection called septicemia, which can lead to sepsis, according to the source above.

Two people have died amid a meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent in Canterbury. (Karl Kurt/Getty Images)

Even with prompt treatment, meningococcal disease can become fatal within hours. Health agencies report that the typical mortality rate is 10% to 15%.

In response to the outbreak, students at the University of Kent launched an online petition calling for the campus to be closed.

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“Students at the University of Kent are increasingly concerned about reports of cases of meningitis and sepsis affecting members of the campus community,” the petition reads, as posted on Change.org. “Confirming the death of two people, as well Reports of hospitalization“It caused understandable concern among students and staff.”

The petition expressed concern about the continuation of in-person exams, lectures and other campus activities amid the outbreak.

As of March 18, health officials announced a total of 15 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease, an additional 12 probable cases and two deaths in the county of Kent in southeast England. (Karl Kurt/Getty Images)

“Many students feel like they are in a difficult situation: attending exams and personal activities during a period of heightened anxiety or prioritizing their problems Health and wellness “At the risk of possible academic consequences,” the petition reads. “Students should not feel forced to choose between protecting their well-being and continuing their education.”

“Students deserve to feel safe on campus,” the petition concluded. “We therefore call on the University of Kent to consider precautionary steps to prioritize the wellbeing of students and staff during this situation.

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Antibiotic prophylaxis is being distributed to University of Kent students, according to the UKHSA, as well as to those who visited Club Chemistry, a nightclub in Canterbury, between March 5 and 7.

“A Vaccination programme “It began for students and staff who live or work in halls on the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus – approximately 5,000 students,” the agency noted.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the university seeking comment.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described it as a “rare but serious disease.” Meningococcal disease The most common causes of meningitis symptoms, including fever, neck stiffness, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or altered mental status.

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It can also cause a meningococcal bloodstream infection, which is characterized by fever, chills, vomiting, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, severe aches and pains, diarrhea, rapid breathing or a dark purple rash, the CDC notes.

Transmission and treatment

Meningitis infection can be spread through close contact with someone who has meningococcal disease, “generally, through things like coughing or kissing, but it can also be spread by being in the same house or room for long periods of time with an infected person,” Dr. Barbara Bauer, a primary care physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, previously told Fox News Digital.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is contacting 30,000 students and staff at the university to inform them of the outbreak. (Karl Kurt/Getty Images)

Anyone who shows symptoms of the disease should review his condition Primary care physician Immediately, according to the doctor’s opinion.

Since symptoms tend to progress rapidly and can be life-threatening, it is essential that the patient receive antibiotics immediately.

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“It can become fatal or serious very quickly – within hours – for any individual, especially if antibiotics are not started in time,” Bauer warned. “until With antibiotics“Meningitis can be fatal.”

“This is often due to misdiagnosis, because meningitis can mimic many other diseases,” she added.

Infection prevention

Most cases of meningococcal disease worldwide are caused by six different types of… Neisseria meningitidis bacteria – A, B, C, D, X, Y.

In the United States, the most common variations are B, C, W, and Y. There are vaccines available to protect against types A, C, W, Y (MenACWY vaccine) and type B (MenB vaccine), according to the CDC.

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“MenACWY vaccines are routinely recommended for adolescents and people with other risk factors or underlying medical conditions, including HIV,” the agency previously stated.

“Students should not feel forced to choose between protecting their well-being and continuing their education.”

To reduce the risk, Bauer recommends that people get vaccinated against this disease Current meningitis vaccine The CDC also recommends avoiding being in very closed spaces with others as much as possible.

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“If you know someone with meningitis in your household or have been in contact with their oral secretions (i.e., kissed them), you should get prophylactic antibiotics,” the doctor told Fox News Digital.

This is even more important for those who are or have compromised immunity On medications This lowers the immune system, Bauer added.