With a serious meningitis outbreak in Kent now linked to multiple cases and fatalities, the boss of Stroud‑based charity Meningitis Now is urging people everywhere to recognise the signs quickly.
Stroud Times visited Meningitis Now’s headquarters this afternoon to meet CEO Dr Tom Nutt, who discussed the current situation in Canterbury and what steps can be taken to stay safe.
Cases have been confirmed at two universities – the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University – linked to an outbreak that is thought to have originated at a Canterbury nightclub. The Meningitis B jab is now being offered to 5,000 University of Kent students as part of a targeted vaccine programme.
All doctors in England have been told to watch out for meningitis symptoms after the outbreak in Kent.
The charity, formerly known as the Meningitis Trust, was formed in Stroud in 1986 following outbreaks of the disease in the town as well as Stonehouse.
Watch Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now, in conversation with Stroud Times reporter Faye Hatcher in the video below.
Click on this link for advice on dealing with Meningitis.
