A deadly strain of meningitis is rising in the UK - international charity says these deaths are preventable

Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is calling for action to control a recent rise in cases of meningitis and septicaemia caused by a particularly deadly strain of meningococcal bacteria, putting lives at risk.

Research using the MRF Meningococcus Genome Library, presented at this week's International Pathogenic Neisseria Conference (IPNC) in the USA¹ shows that a new strain of meningococcal bacteria has emerged in the UK since 2008 and cases are rising at an alarming rate. The study has found that this strain: meningococcal W clonal complex 11, is similar to an epidemic clone prevalent in South America².

MRF is especially concerned because it is highly lethal, with fatality rates around 25% in South America and the chances of dying here in the UK much higher with this strain than with other meningococcal strains currently circulating. Figures from Public Health England³ show that it disproportionately affects teenagers and young adults, which is typical of epidemic strains.

Fortunately this strain is vaccine preventable. The current meningococcal ACWY vaccines Menveo® and Nimenrix® protect against all meningococcal A, C W and Y infection. Furthermore, another new study presented at this week's IPNC demonstrates that Bexsero®, the new MenB vaccine, will provide protection against this particular strain, meningococcal W clonal complex 11⁴.

Christopher Head, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation said: "Over recent months we have been supporting many families whose children have died from this virulent strain of the disease. We urge the government to act quickly in order to halt its rise. Meningococcal ACWY vaccines could quickly be deployed to provide broader protection as replacement to the MenC booster vaccine given to 14 year olds at school."

"The new Bexsero vaccine can protect against this dangerous clone in addition to the broad coverage it is designed to provide against meningococcal B infection. This increases the urgency of the vaccine being made available to babies without delay. In March, the government's advisory committee recommended that Bexsero be introduced to the childhood immunisation schedule, and the government is obliged to do so if it can be obtained at a cost effective price. However, price negotiations between the vaccine manufacturer and the Department of Health have yet to be resolved. We urge the government to act on this recent rise in cases of MenW infection and to conclude price negotiations over Bexsero with the vaccine manufacturer positively as soon as possible."

The charity ask that everyone be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis & septicaemia, which can affect anyone, of any age, at any time and can kill in hours. To find out more visit: www.meningitis.org.