Why this 'unprecedented' outbreak isn't another Covid

• Home
• News
• US & Canada
• UK
• UK Politics
• England
• N. Ireland
• N. Ireland Politics
• Scotland
• Scotland Politics
• Wales
• Wales Politics
• Africa
• Asia
• China
• India
• Australia
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East
• In Pictures
• BBC InDepth
• BBC Verify
• Sport
• Business
• World of Business
• Technology of Business
• NYSE Opening Bell
• Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• AI v the Mind
• Health
• Culture
• Film & TV
• Music
• Art & Design
• Style
• Books
• Entertainment News
• Arts
• Arts in Motion
• Travel
• Destinations
• Africa
• Antarctica
• Asia
• Australia and Pacific
• Caribbean & Bermuda
• Central America
• Europe
• Middle East
• North America
• South America
• World’s Table
• Culture & Experiences
• Adventures
• The SpeciaList
• Earth
• Science
• Natural Wonders
• Climate Solutions
• Sustainable Business
• Green Living
• Audio
• Podcast Categories
• Radio
• Audio FAQs
• Video
• BBC Maestro
• Discover the World
• Live
• Live News
• Live Sport

Meningitis typically occurs as isolated one-off cases, but the outbreak in Kent is being described as "unprecedented" because there have been 20 cases since the weekend.

However, this infection requires close and prolonged physical contact, that spreads more slowly than Covid or flu.

The BBC's Nick Triggle explains why this outbreak is not the same as Covid.