Student Dies in Berkshire Meningitis Outbreak
A student at Henley College in Berkshire, United Kingdom has died. Two others are being treated at Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.
At least three meningitis cases have been found among young people in the Reading area. One case is confirmed as Meningitis B. Close contacts of those affected are being offered antibiotics as a precaution.
Health leaders say the risk to students and the public remains low. There are no plans for an emergency vaccination programme as case numbers are very low.
Earlier in March a separate meningitis outbreak in Kent was linked to a Canterbury nightclub. That outbreak killed two people and left more than a dozen needing hospital treatment.
Klear Note — Meningitis B is a serious bacterial infection that spreads through close contact. It can cause death or brain damage quickly. Young people in crowded settings like colleges face higher risk.
Key Terms 3
- Meningitis B A serious bacterial infection that causes dangerous brain and spine swelling.
- Antibiotics Medicine that kills bacteria and stops infection spreading to others.
- Vaccination programme A plan to give many people a protective injection against a disease.