Deadly campus meningitis outbreak in the U.K. kills 2, sickens many more

"Meningococcal meningitis is a contagious illness caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis and spread in respiratory droplets. The core symptoms can include a fever, vomiting, confusion, muscle and joint pain and stiffness, pale or blotchy skin and a rash that doesn't disappear when pressed."

"Bacterial meningitis such as meningococcal meningitis requires immediate treatment with antibiotics, but it is also largely preventable with vaccines—yet protection wanes over time, and in the U.K., a key vaccine for meningitis is only routinely administered to babies."

"Meningococcal meningitis spreads most easily in places where people who aren't vaccinated against the disease gather in close contact, such as in schools or student housing. More than 30,000 people in the region around the University of Kent in England have been contacted about the outbreak."

Meningococcal meningitis, a contagious bacterial infection spread through respiratory droplets, has caused an outbreak in the U.K. with at least two student deaths and 11 serious hospitalizations. The disease presents symptoms including fever, vomiting, confusion, muscle and joint pain, and a distinctive rash. While largely preventable through vaccination, the U.K. routinely administers the key meningitis vaccine only to babies, leaving older populations vulnerable. The infection spreads most easily in crowded settings like schools and student housing where unvaccinated individuals gather. Over 30,000 people near the University of Kent have been contacted regarding the outbreak. Bacterial meningitis requires immediate antibiotic treatment, though vaccine protection diminishes over time.

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