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West Wales: Urgent warning to parents as meningitis outbreak sparks fears

Health chiefs covering Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion say the disease can become “very serious quickly” — and are warning that not all children and teenagers are fully protected.

The warning comes as a major outbreak in Kent has seen dozens of cases and at least two deaths, with health officials racing to contain the spread.

The cluster — centred around Canterbury — has been linked to schools and universities, with cases rising rapidly and thousands of people offered vaccines and antibiotics.

Experts have also warned there is a risk of further cases appearing elsewhere, particularly as people travel around the country.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said vaccination remains the strongest defence.

“Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated not only safeguards their health but also helps prevent the spread of infections within our communities,” she said.

Figures show that in west Wales, uptake of the MenACWY vaccine among teenagers is just 76.4% — meaning many school leavers are still unprotected.

For younger children, rates are higher but still below the 95% target:

• 92.8% vaccinated by their first birthday
• 91.8% by their second birthday

Officials say more families must come forward to close the gap.

Public Health Wales has also stressed the seriousness of the disease, even though overall case numbers in Wales remain relatively low.

Dr Christopher Johnson said: “While meningococcal disease is rare, it can become very serious quickly.

“The most important thing people can do is be aware of the symptoms and seek urgent medical advice if they are concerned.”

He warned symptoms can escalate fast and may include a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion and a rash that does not fade when pressed.

“Not everyone will have all of the symptoms,” he added. “If someone becomes suddenly unwell or symptoms worsen quickly, it is important to seek medical help immediately.”

Meningitis can lead to life-threatening complications including septicaemia, and around one in 10 cases can be fatal.

Health bosses are now urging parents and carers across west Wales to check vaccination records, contact their GP if any doses have been missed, and remain vigilant.

They say quick action could save lives.

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Sunday lunch horror: 43 struck down at Welsh pub

More than 40 people were left sick and rushing to the loo after eating Sunday lunch at the Corner House Inn in Llangynwyd, near Maesteg.

The pub shut its doors for a deep clean after customers reported stomach cramps and diarrhoea just hours after their meals.

Bug behind the outbreak

Public Health Wales confirmed 43 cases of food poisoning, blaming the bacteria clostridium perfringens. The bug is known to lurk in meat and poultry left out too long.

Officials said the risk to the wider public is low, but admitted the outbreak was one of the largest seen in Wales this year.

Pub vows honesty

In a Facebook post, the Corner House Inn said: “We contacted environmental health ourselves… we will be honest throughout and will continue to do so.”

The owners promised to keep working with inspectors to protect staff and customers, insisting the restaurant remains open.

Not the first time

It comes just weeks after a similar outbreak at the Cwrt Henllys Bar and Restaurant in Cwmbran, also linked to Sunday lunch.

The Food Standards Agency warns spores from the bug can survive cooking and multiply if food is cooled too slowly or left unrefrigerated.

Children, pregnant women, older people and those with health conditions are most at risk of severe illness.

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Investigation launched after respiratory infections at Neath primary school

Several children attending Blaenhonddan Primary School have fallen ill with symptoms consistent with acute respiratory infections, prompting a coordinated response from Public Health Wales, Swansea Bay University Health Board, and Neath Port Talbot Council.

In a statement, Public Health Wales confirmed it is working closely with the school and local partners to manage the situation and reduce the risk of further spread.

“Public Health Wales is supporting the school and partners to reduce the spread of illness and to provide public health advice to parents and staff,” the agency said.

Parents and guardians are being urged to monitor children for symptoms including coughing, sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing.

James Adamson, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, said:

“We are aware of several cases of acute respiratory infections linked to the school and are working closely with Swansea Bay University Health Board, Neath Port Talbot Council and the school to manage the situation.”

He added that the flu season is now underway in Wales, and respiratory infections are common among children at this time of year.

“The number of absences from this school reflects the background levels of respiratory infection across Wales,” Mr Adamson said. “Having the flu vaccination every year remains the best way for people to protect themselves and their children.”

The school remains open, with additional hygiene measures and public health guidance in place.

Swansea Bay News will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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