Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544097
NO meningitis cases have been recorded in Malta so far this year, according to the Health Ministry, as concerns were raised following an outbreak in the UK. The UK outbreak occurred at the University of Kent in Can- terbury and killed two young people. Within days, menin- gitis cases rose to 20 after the first case was confirmed on 14 March. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the outbreak unprecedented and students were offered antibiotics and vaccination against the strain at the source of the outbreak. The emergency caused con- cern in Malta among those who were travelling to the UK, or have relatives living, studying and working there. Aaron Schembri, an infec- tious disease specialist at Ma- ter Dei Hospital and general secretary of the Medical Asso- ciation of Malta (MAM), told MaltaToday two patients con- tacted the clinic asking about meningitis symptoms and the vaccine. "But most people with concerns would have proba- bly contacted their GP first for guidance," Schembri said. A family doctor, who pre- ferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that he had clients asking him about the meningi- tis vaccine since their children were travelling to the UK over the Easter holidays. "They were seeking guidance on vaccina- tion an prevention." Another family doctor, Ja- son Bonnici, said he was ap- proached by concerned par- ents. "However, some have children young enough to have taken the meningitis vaccines through the national immuni- sation schedule, so they have a degree of protection." But others had children born before 2020, when the men- ingitis vaccine started being administered for free. Bonn- ici said some had paid out of pocket at the time to give their children the vaccine, while others had not and the latter group inquired about taking the vaccine now. Meningitis vaccines come in two types: Men-B, which tar- gets the strain that caused the UK outbreak, and Men-ACWY. A parent, who took his 13-year-old daughter to get vaccinated, paid €118 for one dose, with a second dose ex- pected next month. "It's not cheap but the GP's advice was to take the jab given my daugh- ter will be travelling to the UK," the parent said. Meningitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria menin- gitidis, and spreads through close contact, kissing, shared drinks, utensils, or cigarettes, and can progress from flu- like symptoms to life-threat- ening illness within hours. Its case-fatality ratio sits between 8% and 15%. Last week, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela confirmed that a British traveller who came to Malta showed symptoms but tested negative. "This British individual who came to Malta was tested at Mater Dei Hospi- tal, and the results confirmed she does not have the type of meningitis B connected to the outbreak in England," he told MaltaToday. He also noted that the super- intendent of public health had recommended all practicing doctors remain vigilant, while highlighting that diagnosing meningitis is a standard med- ical procedure. "It's a basic aspect of medical practice," Abela, who is a surgeon by pro- fession, explained. "Doctors are constantly aware of this condition." The minister also pointed to Malta's vaccination pro- gramme as reassurance. Since 2020, the Men-B and Men- ACWY vaccines have been of- fered free of charge to children in Malta and Gozo, with uptake described as very good. "We will continue to be vigilant but there is absolutely no need for alarm," he said. In Malta, the Men-B vac- cine is given free at 8 weeks, 4 months and 12 months. The Men-ACWY vaccine, which covers serogroups A, C, W, and Y, is given at 12 weeks, 13 months, and between 14 and 16 years. Those not covered by the national schedule can still get vaccinated at their own cost. According to the Health Min- istry, the recorded number of meningitis cases in Malta has remained low: eight in 2014, one in 2023, five in 2025, and none so far in 2026. The Health Ministry said there are no travel warnings for the UK and no evidence of community transmission beyond Canterbury, but ad- vised people to practise good respiratory and hand hygiene, avoid sharing drinks, utensils or cigarettes, and seek urgent medical attention if symptoms appear. 2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 MARCH 2026 NEWS No meningitis cases recorded in Malta so far, Health Ministry says Meningitis symptoms to look out for • Sudden high fever • Severe headache • Dislike of bright lights • Vomiting and/or severe diarrhoea • Painful joints • Pale or blotchy skin • Very cold hands and feet • Fitting • Drowsiness that may progress into a coma JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt Malta has recorded any meningitis cases this year (File photo)