Scientists discover why Kent meningitis outbreak was so severe

Author: bbc.co.ukPublished on: September 22, 2026Country: United Kingdom
Health
Scientists discover why Kent meningitis outbreak was so severe

Scientists have found that the strain of meningitis B responsible for the outbreak in Kent acquired genetic material from other bacteria, leading to a more virulent variant. Over 20 young people, mostly students, were infected, with two deaths, including a University of Kent student. Experts emphasize that the meningitis B vaccine offered to young people protects against this strain. They warn that such events, while rare, could happen again.

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