The decline in cases comes alongside a growing vaccination campaign, which has seen thousands of jabs handed out alongside antibiotics in a bid to combat the Kent outbreak

Meningitis cases have declined, according to the latest update from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) a week after the outbreak began.

The outbreak shows signs of slowing, according to the latest figures, as mammoth efforts see thousands of people offered vaccines and antibiotics in Kent reduce the load to 29, where officials are investigating. The total is down from the 34 the UKHSA said it was probing on Saturday, back to the caseload reported on Friday.

The UKHSA said: "As of 12:30pm on 21 March, 20 laboratory cases are confirmed and 9 notifications remain under investigation, bringing the total to 29."

"This means that the number of confirmed cases has decreased by 3 since yesterday’s update. Some cases initially classified as confirmed cases have been reclassified following further laboratory results and clinical investigation. As further laboratory assessments are completing, we expect some further probable cases to be downgraded in the coming days.

"Sadly, 2 people are known to have died, with no further deaths since the last update." The update is based on figures taken by the agency as of 12.30pm on Saturday, and they have "epidemiological links" to Canterbury, Kent.

The figures consist of 20 lab cases alongside a further nine notifications which "remain under investigation", meaning the number of confirmed cases have decreased by three since the Saturday update. The UKHSA said it would "like to thank partners including the NHS and the University of Kent" after they offered rapid support to the outbreak with vaccines and antibiotics.

Dr Sherine Thomas, Infectious Diseases Consultant at UKHSA, said the agency would "remain vigilant" for new cases but reassured the public that the overall risk was low.

She said: "We continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country, to ensure that any new cases identified are responded to as quickly as possible. It's reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination and we'd like to thank everyone involved in this effort so far.

"Although the risk to the wider population remains low, it is still really important that people know the symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops them.

"UKHSA continues to work with partners to identify contacts and offer necessary treatment." According to the Kent and Medway Integrated Care System, the decline in cases comes as 8,002, while the vaccine campaign has delivered a total of 12,157 doses since it was launched.