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Meningitis Cases in Kent Rise to 20 as Vaccination Rollout Begins. The number of meningitis cases linked to the Kent outbreak has risen to 20, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the outbreak as “unprecedented” as infections increased from 15 to 20. Nine cases have been laboratory confirmed, while 11 remain under investigation. Six confirmed cases involve meningitis B, a serious bacterial form of the disease. All those affected so far are young adults, many linked to the University of Kent. A targeted vaccination programme is being rolled out to around 5,000 students living in university halls. Authorities have already distributed 2,500 doses of antibiotics and advised preventative treatment for those linked to a Canterbury nightclub exposure. Health officials warned case numbers could rise further but stressed the overall risk to the wider public remains low.
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