Meningitis Now’s Chief Executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said, “Everyone at Meningitis Now is deeply saddened and concerned to hear reports of a suspected outbreak of meningitis affecting young people in Reading and the surrounding area, including the tragic death of a young person.
While information is still emerging and investigations are ongoing, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the individual who has died, and with all those affected by this worrying situation.
We would urge people to remain vigilant and aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. Meningitis can become life-threatening very quickly, and early diagnosis and treatment are absolutely vital.
Symptoms can appear in any order and may include a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, drowsiness, cold hands and feet, severe muscle pain, and a rash that does not fade under pressure. It is important to remember that not everyone will experience all symptoms.
Teenagers and young adults are among the groups most at risk from meningococcal disease, and the recent outbreak in Kent has shown how quickly cases can emerge.
This situation is yet another reminder of why our “No Plan B for MenB” campaign is calling for greater protection for young people. MenB is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Its impact is devastating, cruel, life-changing – and preventable.
Since 2015, only infants have been vaccinated against MenB, but we believe all teenagers and young adults should be protected by this vaccine on the NHS. The MenB vaccine is not available to teenagers and young adults on the NHS routine immunisation schedule, but we believe it should be. Currently, it is only available for this age group privately through high street and supermarket pharmacies.
We would encourage anyone who is concerned that they or someone they know may be unwell to seek urgent medical attention immediately and not to wait for symptoms to develop further.
