Outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease, South East England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an alert outlining priority steps in managing suspected cases, potential contacts of cases, and to reduce the risk of infection spreading. It states: ‘Note that this is a rapidly evolving situation and we will update advice as further information emerges.’

For patients presenting with suspected meningococcal disease, standard infection prevention and control precautions should be followed in line with the National infection prevention and control manual for England. Appropriate PPE (including Level 2 PPE where clinically indicated) should be used for assessment and management of suspected invasive meningococcal disease (IMD).

Patients with IMD may present with septicaemia and/or meningitis. Meningococcal sepsis should be considered in a rapidly deteriorating patient with sepsis even in the absence of a non-blanching rash, which is usually a late sign. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion where a young person aged 16 to 30 attends with consistent signs or symptoms.

In a community setting, rapid admission to hospital is the highest priority when IMD is suspected. Conveyance to hospital should not be delayed for procurement or administration of antibiotics.

All suspected cases of invasive meningococcal disease are statutorily notifiable by registered medical practitioners to the responsible UKHSA health protection team, without waiting for laboratory confirmation.

Further information on infection prevention and control (IPC), personal protective equipment (PPE), immediate case management, management of contacts and vaccination can be found on the UK Health Security Agency website.