Meningitis cases fall to 29 but UK health bosses urge Britons to 'remain vigilant'

Of the 29 cases, 20 have been confirmed laboratory cases, while nine remain under investigation.

Confirmed cases have decreased from 23 to 20, after they were downgraded following further testing. 19 of them are meningitis B, and all have required hospital treatment.

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".

By 5.55pm on Saturday, more than 8,000 meningitis vaccines had been rolled out in Kent, while over 12,000 courses of preventive antibiotics had been handed out.

A spokesman for NHS Kent and Medway, which is in charge of the rollout, said: "Our teams have been working overtime this weekend and into the evenings during the week to deliver antibiotic and vaccine clinics as fast as possible."

There are six clinics across the county providing antibiotics and vaccines for eligible people.

Earlier in the week, thousands of eligible people could be seen queuing at the University of Kent as they waited to receive their course of treatment for the outbreak.

The number of individuals in the lines has now dropped significantly since the rollout began on Wednesday.

Despite numbers in the lines dropping, UKHSA infectious diseases consultant Dr Sherine Thomas vowed to "remain vigilant".

"We continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country to ensure that any new cases identified are responded to as quickly as possible," she said.

"It's reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination, and we'd like to thank everyone involved in this effort so far.

"Although the risk to the wider population remains low, it is still really important that people know the symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops them."

Two people – a 21-year-old student from the University of Kent and sixth-form student Juliette Kenny – have died following the outbreak.

Juliette died on March 14, having been in perfect health only days earlier.

"Juliette fought bravely for hours, but despite the fantastic NHS hospital staff fighting alongside her, meningitis took her from us less than 12 hours later," her dad said.

"We were with her at the end, and the last sounds that she heard were the voices of those who loved her telling her how very much loved and cherished she is."

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter