Meningitis warning: Cases of fatal disease soar as pandemic fuels ‘lack of immunity’

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Meningococcal group B bacteria can cause life-threatening infections, including meningitis and sepsis. Some people die, while others may be left with permanent disabilities like brain damage or the loss of limbs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that lockdowns used to control the pandemic led to cases of other infectious diseases plummeting. And this even saw meningitis rates slashed to a record low until September last year, the experts said.

But now, meningitis B cases in young people in England are skyrocketing, according to the UKHSA’s pre-print report.

The agency said the rise has been prominent “particularly in university students”.

The report reads: “Between September and November 2021, IMD [invasive meningococcal disease] cases increased with group B disease in adolescents/young adults rising sharply and exceeding pre-pandemic levels.”

The report added that 41.5 percent of meningitis cases occurred among those aged 15 to 19 during this period.

And during the same period in 2018 and 2019, cases rose by 11.8 percent and 14.3 percent respectively.

According to the report, the number of cases in this age group during this period in 2021 (22) was higher than in 2018 (16) and 2019 (19).

Of the confirmed cases in 15 to 19-year-olds and 20 to 24-year-olds in September to November 2021, 84.6 percent (22/26) were students enrolled in a further or higher education institution.

Nearly every case involved meningitis B.

The soaring cases confirmed the risks of a post-lockdown infectious disease “rebound”, the experts said.

Charities like the Meningitis Research Foundation warned last year that this might happen.

Linda Glennie, from the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “This early evidence of a sharp rise in MenB cases in teenagers and young adults, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers for those aged 15 to 19, is important to highlight.

“Whilst the numbers may appear small, meningitis can have life-changing implications for anyone who contracts it, which is why monitoring any evidence of a rebound in cases is so vital.

“The data published by 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 vigilant to the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.

“Meningitis progresses rapidly, so it’s critical to alert someone if ill, and to seek urgent medical advice.”

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The experts suggested the lower levels of immunity might be responsible for the surge in cases.

UKHSA’s study paper reads: “A lower level of immunity could be contributing to the sharp increase in IMD cases following the return to universities, however, a serological study of this population would be needed to quantify any changes in immunity throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prof Ray Borrow, a co-author of the study, said: “Whilst this is early data, it is crucial we continue to monitor all strains of invasive meningococcal disease given the impact social distancing and other Covid responses have had in limiting natural circulation, blocking both the benefits and harms of exposure to these bacteria, which can lead to a lack of immune stimulation within the population.”

In the UK, a meningitis B vaccine is offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks and a booster at 1 year.

It is estimated up to one in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal.

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