Royal Oldham Hospital warns of meningitis symptoms amid Kent outbreak

Health bosses at Royal Oldham Hospital have issued a warning about meningitis symptoms after a major outbreak in Kent left two people dead and dozens infected. The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs our local hospital, shared NHS guidance on Facebook listing the warning signs people need to watch for.

The outbreak has hit young adults and students in Kent, with 20 cases reported to health authorities as of March 18. Six cases have been confirmed as the meningitis B strain. GPs across the country have been told to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5-7, plus University of Kent students.

While the outbreak remains confined to Kent with no cases reported in Oldham or the wider region, health chiefs want people to know the symptoms. These include high temperature, headache, stiff neck, and a rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass. The trust stressed that symptoms can develop suddenly and require immediate 999 calls if meningitis or sepsis is suspected.

The warning comes as our local health services continue to monitor the situation. With students potentially travelling between different parts of the country, health bosses say it's important everyone knows what to look out for. The trust's Facebook post emphasised that meningitis doesn't always present with a rash, making awareness of all symptoms crucial.