Meningitis outbreak in Kent

What is meningococcal disease 

Meningococcal disease is caused by meningococcal bacteria, which many people carry harmlessly in the back of their throat. There are multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria and infections, such as MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW, MenX, MenY. It is not known why some individuals carry the bacteria without them causing harm while others go on to develop invasive disease.  

Meningococcal disease is rare however it can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause:  

  • bacterial meningitis (inflammation of the protective lining which surrounds the brain and spinal cord)  
  • septicaemia (a severe infection which spreads throughout the body and can cause organ failure). 

 How meningococcal disease spreads 

Meningococcal disease does not spread very easily between people. The bacteria is passed to others after a long period of close contact, for example by living with someone in shared accommodation, through prolonged kissing, or sharing drinks and vapes. MenB bacteria is not as contagious as infections such as measles or COVID-19. 

 What you need to do  

Know the signs and symptoms 

 While meningococcal disease is rare, it is important to know the signs and symptoms and to seek medical help urgently as it can be very serious if not treated quickly. Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: 

  • a high temperature (fever) 
  • being sick, vomiting 
  • a headache 
  • a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop) 
  • a stiff neck 
  • a dislike of bright lights 
  • drowsiness or unresponsiveness 
  • seizures (fits) 

These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms. 

 Find out more about the symptoms of meningitis and the actions to take for suspected meningitis: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/symptoms 

Vaccination against meningitis 

 The NHS routine immunisation programme offers the following meningococcal vaccines: 

  • The MenACWY vaccine is offered to young people aged 13-14 (Year 9 in school) and can be provided as catch-up until the young person’s 25th birthday. 
  • The MenB vaccine was introduced in 2015 and is routinely offered to babies aged 8 weeks, 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year, with catch-up only available until their 2nd birthday. There is currently no routine MenB vaccination programme for people after age 2. 

There are other vaccines in the NHS’s routine childhood immunisation schedule which can protect against other diseases that can lead to meningitis. It is therefore important that children and young people are up to date with their routine vaccinations. 

 To check your child’s immunisation history, you can look at their Personal Child Health Record (the Red Book), check on the NHS app, or contact your GP. 

To catch up on immunisations, you can speak to your GP surgery. 

Other useful information and resources

UKHSA communications on the outbreak in Kent   

Meningitis B outbreak: what you need to know https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/ 

 Who is eligible for the MenB vaccine and do I need it myself? https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/20/who-is-eligible-for-the-menb-vaccine-and-do-i-need-it-myself/ 

News story: 
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent 

 Posters and leaflets 

Meningitis and septicaemia: Don’t ignore the signs 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningitis-signs-and-symptoms-poster 

 NHS  

Meningitis – www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/ 

NHS vaccinations and when to have them – https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/ 

Other organisations 

Meningitis Research Foundation, www.meningitis.org
Helpline 080 8800 3344 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm 

Meningitis Now, www.meningitisnow.org
Helpline 0808 80 10 388 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm, Friday 9am to 1pm)