Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Storm Newton

Scientists discover why Kent meningitis outbreak was so deadly – and warn it could happen again

Scientists have identified the reasons why the bacterial strain that caused a fatal meningitis B outbreak in Kent was so dangerous.

New genetic analysis shows the virulent strain acquired characteristics from benign bacteria that typically reside harmlessly in human throats.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.