One dead and two more ill after meningitis outbreak in Berkshire
Summary
A young person has died and two others are sick after a meningitis outbreak in Berkshire, UK health officials reported. Close contacts of the sick have received antibiotics to prevent further spread, and health experts say the risk to the general public is low since the disease spreads only through close contact.Key Facts
- One young person died from meningitis in Berkshire; two others are being treated.
- The outbreak comes after a similar meningitis outbreak in Kent earlier in the year.
- One confirmed case is meningitis B (MenB); more test results are pending.
- Health officials are giving antibiotics to people who were in close contact with the sick person to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Meningitis spreads only through very close contact, so large outbreaks are rare.
- Symptoms include fever, headache, fast breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting, cold hands and feet, and a rash that does not fade when pressed.
- People should check if they have received meningitis vaccines, such as MenACWY, which is free up to age 25 but doesn't protect against all strains.
- Meningitis affects mainly babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults and needs quick treatment.
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