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Cases of meningitis B among students in England are rising sharply and surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to a report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Meningococcal group B bacteria are a serious cause of life-threatening infections, including meningitis and sepsis. While most people recover, some may die. Others may suffer permanent disabilities as a result, including brain damage, epilepsy, hearing loss or loss of limbs.
During the pandemic, the lockdowns used to curb the spread of Covid-19 also led to a decline in other infectious diseases. Meningitis rates were at a historic low until September last year, experts said.
Since then, however, there has been a sharp increase in cases of meningitis B among adolescents and young adults in England. The rise in cases has been seen “particularly among university students”, according to an early pre-print study from UKHSA seen by the Guardian.
“Between September and November 2021, IMD [invasive meningococcal disease] cases have increased with cluster B disease in adolescents/young adults rising sharply and exceeding pre-pandemic levels,” says the 11-page analysis of the most recent data available.
During this period, 41.5% of meningitis cases occurred in 15-19 year olds, compared to 11.8% and 14.3% during the same period in 2018 and 2019 respectively, it adds. .
Importantly, according to the UKHSA report, the number of cases in this age group during this period in 2021 (22) was higher than the corresponding periods in 2018 (16) and 2019 (19). Of the confirmed IMD cases among the age groups 15-19 and 20-24 from September to November 2021, 84.6% (22/26) were students enrolled in a further education institution or higher, the study found. Almost all cases involved meningitis B.
Experts said the rise in cases confirmed the risks of a “rebound” in infectious diseases after the lockdown, which charities including the Meningitis Research Foundation said last year could happen.
“This first evidence of a sharp increase in MenB cases among adolescents and young adults, surpassing the pre-pandemic number for those aged 15 to 19, is important to highlight,” said Linda Glennie, director of research, evidence and policy at Meningitis Research Foundation. “While the numbers may seem small, meningitis can have life-changing implications for anyone who contracts it, which is why monitoring for any evidence of a rebound in cases is so vital.
“Data published by the UKHSA has highlighted that students, particularly those living on campuses, have a higher risk of meningococcal disease than their peers. It is essential that students, young people and their families remain alert to the signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis. Meningitis progresses rapidly, so alerting someone to illness and seeking emergency medical advice is essential.
The UKHSA article suggests the rise in cases may be due to a combination of factors, including high levels of transmission among young people, and an ‘immunity debt’ triggered by the fact that lockdowns have reduced the possibilities of meningococcal exposure and transmission among adolescents.
“A lower level of immunity could contribute to the sharp increase in MI cases following the return to universities, however, a serological study of this population would be necessary to quantify any changes in immunity throughout the Covid pandemic. -19,” the report added.
Professor Ray Borrow, one of the authors of the paper and head of the Vaccine Assessment Unit at UKHSA, said: “Although this is early data, it is crucial that we we continue to monitor all strains of invasive meningococcal disease given the impact social distancing and other Covids have had to limit natural circulation, blocking both the benefits and harms of exposure to these bacteria, this which can lead to a lack of immune stimulation in the population.
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Sources 2/ https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jan/19/meningitis-b-cases-rising-students-england-study The mention sources can contact us to remove/changing this article |
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