Scientists are concerned that the meningitis strain linked to the deadly outbreak in Kent may have evolved to spread more rapidly. UKHSA doctors have confirmed that 13 out of the 29 cases in the current outbreak are caused by the meningitis B (menB) strain, a dangerous bacterial form of the infection. This strain, typically detected in only a few isolated cases annually in Britain due to its requirement for close contact, is now connected to multiple infections stemming from a nightclub in Canterbury.
Professor Robin May, the chief scientific officer at UKHSA, explained that the current outbreak differs from past patterns of menB cases, which usually involve sporadic individual patients. The sudden surge in cases originating from a single event raises concerns that menB may be evolving for more efficient transmission.
In the past, viral meningitis (menC strain) was the primary cause of cases in the United Kingdom until a vaccine introduced in the 1990s significantly reduced annual cases. Schoolchildren now receive the MenACWY jab in Year 9, with catch-up doses available up to age 25. However, this vaccine does not protect against menB. A separate MenB vaccine was added to the NHS schedule for infants 11 years ago, leaving an immunity gap for students and adolescents over 11 who were born before May 1, 2015.
Dr. Eliza Gil from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine highlighted that many current students lack immunity to meningitis B due to not receiving the MenB vaccine. Although students are not routinely offered this vaccine, advocacy groups and individuals are pushing for broader access to protect vulnerable populations.