Amid a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, health officials are cautioning against sharing vaping devices due to the risk of spreading infections. Two fatalities and multiple hospitalizations have been reported in connection with the invasive meningococcal disease.
Vaping, popular among young adults and students, poses a concern as studies show that 27% of individuals aged 16-24 in the UK vape, the highest rate within any age bracket. Meningitis can be transmitted through close contact activities like coughing, kissing, or sharing beverages. Experts highlight that sharing vapes can also transfer saliva between users.
Professor Rebecca A. Drummond, an immunology expert at the University of Birmingham, emphasized that the bacteria causing meningitis can spread via close contact methods such as kissing, sharing drinks, coughing, and sneezing. She noted that environments with large gatherings can heighten the risk of meningitis outbreaks due to increased exposure opportunities.
Shane Margereson, a vaping industry specialist and owner of Ecigone, advised against sharing vapes, likening it to the sharing of personal items like toothbrushes or drink bottles. He warned that during infectious outbreaks, sharing items involving saliva could escalate the spread of bacteria and viruses, potentially leading to serious illnesses such as meningitis.
Shane emphasized that even apparently healthy individuals could unknowingly carry harmful bacteria or viruses, making the sharing of vapes in social settings a risky practice that could facilitate infection transmission.