Meningitis B outbreak

Health alert — 18 March 2026 Meningococcal disease outbreak linked to University of Kent and Canterbury

What has happened

Between 13 and 16 March 2026, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in the South East of England. Most cases involve students from the University of Kent and sixth-form students from local secondary schools in the Canterbury area. A number of cases are linked to attendance at a Canterbury nightclub (Club Chemistry) on 5–7 March. Two people have sadly died. The situation is being actively monitored and guidance may be updated.

This outbreak is centred in Canterbury. UKHSA and local clinics in Kent are leading the response.

Symptoms to be aware of

Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Symptoms can develop rapidly and may include:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Rash that does not fade under a glass
• Vomiting
• Cold hands and feet
• Limb pain
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Rapid deterioration

If you or someone you are with develops these symptoms Call 999 immediately. Do not wait. Early treatment saves lives.

Who is eligible for preventive antibiotics (chemoprophylaxis)

Preventive antibiotics are not for the general public. They are for specific close contacts only, as defined by UKHSA. This includes:

• Students living on Canterbury campus (University of Kent)
• Staff living or working in affected halls of residence
• Anyone who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5th, 6th or 7th March 2026
• Close contacts directly identified by UKHSA

If you fall into one of these groups please contact the UKHSA on 03442253861. For all other patients, preventive antibiotics are not currently indicated.

Vaccination: what you should know

There are several meningitis vaccines offered free on the NHS. No single vaccine protects against all strains, which is why awareness of symptoms remains important regardless of vaccination status.

MenB vaccine Offered to babies at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year. Added to the NHS schedule in 2015 – if you were born before 1 May 2015, you will not have received this as part of the NHS programme. There is currently no NHS catch-up programme for MenB.

MenACWY vaccine Routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10 (around age 14). Protects against strains A, C, W and Y, but not MenB. If you missed your adolescent dose, you can receive it free on the NHS up to your 25th birthday.

A note on vaccination queries  We are aware that many patients are getting in touch about their vaccination status in response to this outbreak. At present, we have not received instruction from NHS England to undertake any additional catch-up vaccination programme in response to this specific outbreak. If you are under 25 and believe you have missed your routine MenACWY dose, please raise this at your next routine appointment and we will check and update your records at that time.

Published: Mar 19, 2026