Health chiefs warn deadly meningitis strain mutation could be fuelling rapid spread

"The number of cases of meningitis linked to the outbreak in Kent has risen to 29, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Thursday, up from 27."

"Health officials said samples have been taken from meningitis patients in hospitals to analyse the bacteria in a laboratory. Using genome sequencing, they hope to determine the specific variant of the meningitis B strain."

"Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), explained it was unusual to see such a large number of cases from one single event."

The meningitis B outbreak in Kent has increased to 29 cases, with health officials expressing concern over its unusual spread. Vaccinations and antibiotics have been administered to those affected. Typically, meningitis cases are isolated, averaging one per day in the UK. The UK Health Security Agency is analyzing samples from patients to identify the specific variant of the bacteria using genome sequencing. Professor Robin May noted the rarity of such a significant number of cases arising from a single event, indicating a need for further investigation.

Read at www.independent.co.uk