Wes Streeting

I thank my hon. Friend for sharing his awful experience, and for once again emphasising the importance of good public health information and advice, including for parents whose students will still be in Canterbury and who may therefore be particularly worried. UKHSA is now advising anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March to come forward for preventive antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure; it can be collected from four sites. If they or people they know develop symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, they should urgently seek medical help by going to the nearest accident and emergency department or dialling 999. If it is not an emergency but people are concerned, they can contact their GP or NHS 111. Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass; a sudden onset of high fever; a severe and worsening headache; a stiff neck; vomiting and diarrhoea; joint and muscle pain; a dislike of bright lights; very cold hands and feet; seizures; confusion or delirium; and extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking. I want to underscore that the general risk of transmission is low and that it takes place through close, direct and prolonged personal contact through things like kissing or sharing vapes and drinks. We need to get the balance right between promoting awareness—people thinking about their own situation and whether any of these factors apply to them—and not spreading unnecessary anxiety, because most people, including the overwhelming majority of students at the universities and people in Canterbury, will not be at risk.