Meningitis B latest: New cases recorded in Dorset as antibiotics offered to young people in area – UK Times

It is possible that further cases of meningitis B could be detected in Weymouth.

Dr Beth Smout, deputy director of the UKHSA, said while the outbreak “is not on the same scale as we saw in Kent”, it “is possible that we will see further cases linked to these latest cases in Weymouth”.

Dr Smout said the decision to offer secondary school pupils in several areas antibiotics and a menB vaccine “is an additional precaution” and said the UKHSA is “following national guidelines to reduce the risk of the infection spreading”.

“School pupils and staff should attend school as normal if they remain well,” she added.

The three students affected have received treatment and are “recovering well”, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, adding that close contacts have already been offered antibiotics as a precaution.

Two of the young people attended Budmouth Academy, a large secondary school in Weymouth, while the other attended Wey Valley Academy, a separate secondary school.

Antibiotics and vaccines are now being offered to young people currently in school years 7 to 13 across the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas of Dorset.

Three cases of meningitis B have been recorded in young people in Weymouth, Dorset, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.