Health Ministry monitoring meningitis outbreak in UK
The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it will continue to monitor the Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis) Outbreak in the United Kingdom (UK), while noting that the risk for Barbados is low.
The most current information indicates that only persons in Canterbury, Kent have been affected by this outbreak, with the first case detected on March 1, 2026. And, of the 27 total cases reported as of March 18, this year, 26 persons have been hospitalised and there have been two deaths.
Additionally, 9 of the 15 confirmed cases have been identified as meningococcal group B (MenB). The risk to the wider population of the UK is low.
Meningococcal disease can begin with flu-like symptoms but may deteriorate rapidly. Key symptoms include:
- Sudden-onset high fever
- Severe headache
- Discomfort and sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Vomiting, severe diarrhoea, or abdominal pain
- Painful joints
- Pale or blotchy skin; very cold hands and feet
- Fitting (seizures), or drowsiness progressing to coma
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. Infections that cause the disease can be spread through:
- sneezing
- coughing
- kissing
It is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness reminds persons that they must practise good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and ensure that their vaccines are up to date. (BGIS)
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