Recent Meningitis Cases in Kent
Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:
- a rash that doesn’t 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/delirium
- extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking
The UKHSA is keeping its meningitis blog up to date. This is a clear and simple explanation of what is happening in Kent, what symptoms people should be aware of, and what to do if people think they/someone else has meningitis symptoms.
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/31/what-is-meningitis-symptoms-risks-and-how-to-protect-yourself/
Advice for people who think they/someone else has meningitis or septicaemia symptoms
- Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or septicaemia.
- Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly.
- Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.
- If you've had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.
Vaccinations against meningitis
Meningitis can be caused by a number of different infections, so several vaccinations offer some protection against it. These include the:
- MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year
- 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to children at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months
- pneumococcal vaccine – 2 doses offered to babies at 16 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over
- MMRV vaccine – offered to children at 12 months and 18 months
- MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time
Please note: The MenB vaccine was added to the NHS immunisation schedule for infants in 2015, providing protection for babies and young children in the UK. It is separate from the MenACWY.
Teenagers and young adults born before 1 May 2015, will not have received the MenB vaccine as part of the NHS schedule. There is no NHS catch up programme for the MenB vaccine. It is available privately for a cost.
GP practices can offer MenACWY vaccinations to all those aged under 25 who may have missed their vaccination previously.
Catch up vaccination clinics
Catch up vaccination clinics for those aged up to 25 are also taking place at the following locations:
- Thursday 19 March, 10am to 3pm, University of Hertfordshire (Room LC450A, Hutton Hub), College Lane, Hatfield (offering MenACWY and MMR)
- Saturday 21 March, 10am to 3pm, Queensway Health Centre, Queensway, Hatfield, AL10 0LF (offering HPV and MenACWY)
- Saturday 21 March, 10am to 3pm, St Michael's Mead Community Centre, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 4FZ (offering HPV and MenACWY)
- Saturday 21 March, 10am to 3pm, Peace Children's Centre, Peace Prospect, Watford, WD17 3EW (offering HPV and MenACWY)
- Sunday 22 March, 10am to 3pm, Waltham Cross Health Centre, Stanhope Road, Waltham Cross, EN8 7DJ (offering HPV and MenACWY)
How do outbreaks of meningitis occur?
Outbreaks of meningococcal disease are uncommon, but can occur when groups of people mix together. Young people at university or college can be at risk of meningitis because they mix with other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY. It is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningitis.
Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.
In Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire County Council’s public health team is working with the NHS to advise the University of Hertfordshire on strategies to protect the university community.
Over recent months, Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health and Schools Engagement teams have worked closely with local sixth forms and colleges to raise awareness of symptoms of meningitis, promote timely medical help, and encourage uptake of recommended meningitis vaccinations. This includes sharing guidance with education providers, delivering targeted information campaigns, and taking vaccinations into education settings.
Hertfordshire County Council will continue to monitor national developments, follow UK Health Security Agency guidance, and support education settings and families with updated information.
Anyone who becomes unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
For further information see here Meningitis - Symptoms - NHS