The meningitis B outbreak in Kent was likely caused by a strain of the bacteria with a distinctly different genome. According to a preliminary investigation, this altered strain, along with the level of immunity in the population and the social and environmental factors associated with the nightclub at the center of the outbreak, constitute the three main factors. The increase in meningococcal disease has been described by experts as unusual in size and pace compared to past outbreaks. The latest data from March 23 shows 20 confirmed cases linked to the epidemic, with three more under investigation. Two deaths occurred, representing a mortality rate of 8.7%. No new confirmed cases have been reported.