The number of confirmed and suspected meningitis cases in the outbreak in Kent has fallen to 29.
The total marks a decrease from 34 cases reported on Saturday. The latest figures include 20 “confirmed” laboratory cases, and nine which remain under investigation.
Explaining the fall in the total, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said “Some cases initially classified as confirmed cases have been reclassified following further laboratory results and clinical investigation. As further laboratory assessments are completing, we expect some further probable cases to be downgraded in the coming days.”
In a statement marking seven days since the first confirmed case of meningitis in Kent, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that it had been an “incredibly difficult week for those affected and for those working on the front line”, saying he was “incredibly grateful to you all”.
“As we look ahead to another challenging week, I wanted to pay tribute to the Herculean efforts of everyone who has worked tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe. We are continuing to urge people in Kent and across the country to keep following the advice, keep living your lives, and keep looking after one another.”
NHS Kent and Medway said that 9,360 vaccines had been administered, and 12,733 antibiotics had been handed out, as of 5.06pm on Sunday.
It comes amid criticism that the NHS waited two days before raising the alarm about the meningitis outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) was first alerted of a case by the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, in Margate, on the afternoon of Friday, 13th March. That patient arrived in hospital two days earlier, but there was a delay in reporting to health officials – despite there being a legal requirement for cases to be reported immediately. The Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital is yet to comment on the allegations.
