Meningitis B Outbreak

 

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

 

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

How is the disease spread?

Transmission of  MenB requires close and prolonged contact to spread including living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19.

 

Who is being offered antibiotics? 

Preventative antibiotics (also called prophylaxis) are being offered to anyone who went to Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent on 5, 6 or 7 March and to people who are close contacts of those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningitis. 

If you have been offered preventative antibiotics, it is strongly recommended that you take them promptly. There are sufficient antibiotic stocks at the university, in local hospitals, and with the ambulance service. 

If you were at Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March, or if you have had close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected meningitis, and have since returned home, you can contact your local GP to get antibiotics wherever you are in the UK.

Antibiotics are not being offered to all students at this stage. The outbreak response is focused on close contacts and those who have attended settings assessed as high risk. Advice on antibiotics has been issued to staff and students at the University of Kent, and antibiotics are available at a number of distribution sites on campus.

 

Who is being offered the MenB vaccine? 

A targeted vaccination programme is being introduced in direct response to this outbreak. Vaccination will begin with students living in Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent. 

The vaccination programme may be expanded as UKHSA continues to assess the risk to other groups, and further advice on additional cohorts will be provided in the coming days.  There are sufficient MenB vaccine stocks and we are working with local partners to ensure effective distribution to those who need it. 

 

Would you advise people to pay for a vaccine now?  

 All the necessary preventative measures are being taken at this stage and the key action to follow is to take preventative antibiotics if you are offered. We are keeping the vaccination offer under review.

 

What is the risk to the wider public? 

The risk of infection to the wider population remains low but we are actively looking for contacts of people who have MenB (contact tracing) and offering preventative antibiotics to those in close contact with cases.

 

 What about the MenACWY vaccine – does that protect me in this outbreak? 

The MenACWY vaccine, which is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10, provides good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease. However, it does not protect against MenB. This is why it is important for everyone - regardless of vaccination status - to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek help urgently if they are concerned. 

 

I am not in the eligible group - what should I do? 

If you are not currently being offered the vaccine, the risk to the wider public remains low. The MenB bacteria is not as contagious as infections such as measles or COVID-19, and transmission requires close and prolonged contact - such as living in the same household or intimate contact like kissing. 

Meningitis has many causes. If you are not eligible for the MenB vaccine, you should still make sure you are up to date with the MMR and MenACWY vaccines, which help protect against other causes of meningitis.    
The MenACWY vaccine is offered in school, usually in Year 9. If you have missed the MenACWY vaccine in school, you can get a free catch-up vaccine from your GP surgery. 

 

What can I do to protect myself and my children from meningitis if I am not in the locality affected by the outbreak? 

The most important thing you can do is know the symptoms and act quickly if they appear. Symptoms to look out for include: 

  • a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass 
  • sudden onset of high fever 
  • severe and worsening headache 
  • stiff neck 
  • vomiting and diarrhoea 
  • joint and muscle pain 
  • dislike of bright lights 
  • very cold hands and feet 
  • seizures 
  • confusion or delirium 
  • extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking 

If you or someone you know develops these symptoms, seek medical help urgently by going to your nearest A&E or calling 999. If a friend goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly. Early treatment can be lifesaving. 

You can also contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you are concerned, but do not wait - call 999 in an emergency. 

 

Where can I find further support?

We will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Published: Mar 19, 2026