UK authorities revise meningitis outbreak cases to 29

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said 20 of the 29 were confirmed cases, and the number of suspected cases being checked stood at nine.

Health Minister Wes Streeting said "Herculean efforts" had been expended to treat those affected and to prevent the infections spreading.

He predicted "another challenging week" in the health emergency, which started in the county of Kent, in England, and has claimed the lives of two people -- a university student and a schoolgirl.

UKHSA said more than 9,000 vaccines against meningitis B had been administered and 12,600 doses of antibiotics distributed in Kent.

Meningitis is a potentially deadly infection which can lead to sepsis if it affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Authorities said the majority of the confirmed cases were group B meningococcal disease (MenB), caused by the meningococcal bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is rarer and deadlier than the viral type.

The epicentre of the outbreak is believed to be a three-floor nightclub called Club Chemistry, in the city of Canterbury in Kent. Authorities have urged clubgoers who were at the venue from March 5-7 to come forward and receive medication.

Meningitis can progress rapidly and is spread through prolonged close contact, including kissing or the sharing of vapes or drinks.

(AFP)