LONDON

The number of confirmed and suspected meningitis cases in Kent, South East England, has fallen to 29, the British health security authority said Sunday.

The number of confirmed and suspected cases fell from 34 on Saturday, including two deaths—a 21-year-old student at the University of Kent and a sixth-class student—caused by the virus last weekend, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in a statement.

"As of 12:30pm on 21 March, 20 laboratory cases are confirmed and 9 notifications remain under investigation, bringing the total to 29," it noted.

The agency said that as more laboratory assessments are completed, it expects some more probable cases to be downgraded in the coming days.

"While the MenB vaccination offers the best longer-term protection for those affected by this outbreak, taking preventative antibiotics is the most important immediate action in response to the current outbreak," UKHSA added.

Sherine Thomas, infectious diseases consultant at UKHSA, said they continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with National Health Service (NHS) England and local authorities across the country.

"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," Thomas noted.

The outbreak has been traced back to a nightclub in Canterbury, Kent.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria. In some cases, it can lead to severe conditions such as meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly progress to sepsis.

The onset of illness is often sudden, and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting, a characteristic rash, and cold hands and feet.