Vaccinated Teen Contracts Meningitis B

A young woman, Keeleigh, has been diagnosed with meningitis B, a severe infection affecting the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Her mother initially believed her symptoms of fever, headache, and sickness were due to Covid-19. However, Keeleigh's condition worsened, leading to hospitalization.

Meningitis B is a bacterial strain not covered by the routine vaccination given to teenagers. Experts suggest that sharing items like vape devices, which come into contact with saliva, could be a way bacteria are transmitted. Crowded venues are also identified as potential 'super-spreader' environments.

Health authorities are actively monitoring the outbreak. Anyone who visited a particular nightclub in Canterbury earlier in March has been urged to seek medical attention and consider preventative antibiotics. Close contacts of confirmed cases are also being contacted to curb the spread of the infection.

Symptoms of meningitis can progress rapidly and include severe headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, confusion, and sensitivity to light. Health officials stress the importance of seeking urgent medical help if these symptoms appear.