Cases of invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent

Update 23 March

The UK Health Security Agency is constant to analyze an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.

No new instances have been confirmed since yesterday’s replace.

Notified cases numbers are published on a daily basis.

As of 12.30pm on 22 March, 20 laboratory instances are confirmed and 9 notifications stay below investigation, bringing the entire to 29.

Background

For info on present vaccination eligibility and clinic places, see the Kent and Medway ICS page.

Further details about the vaccination programme might be discovered in the current UKHSA weblog Meningitis B outbreak: what you need to know.

This genome has UKHSA identifier (1926231), it is going to be on pubMLST.org identifier (190637).

The quantity of confirmed and possible instances can change when:

• a case is laboratory confirmed
• medical evaluation adjustments, together with when new laboratory outcomes can be found
• additional epidemiological info is obtainable

Reclassification of confirmed instances can happen significantly when extra refined laboratory checks are undertaken. These checks typically take longer than preliminary testing carried out in native laboratories. In England the Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU) in Manchester gives confirmatory laboratory reference companies for meningococcal disease.

If you will have returned dwelling exterior of the UK, vaccination might be offered if you return to the University.

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and sepsis) is an unusual however critical disease brought on by meningococcal micro organism. Very sometimes, the meningococcal micro organism could cause critical sickness, (irritation of the liner of the mind) and sepsis (blood poisoning).

The onset of sickness is commonly sudden and early prognosis and remedy with antibiotics are important. Early signs, which can not at all times be current, embody:

• a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
• sudden onset of excessive fever
• extreme and worsening headache
• stiff neck
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• joint and muscle ache
• dislike of vivid lights
• very chilly arms and toes
• seizures
• confusion/delirium
• excessive sleepiness/problem waking

Young folks going to college or faculty for the primary time are significantly in danger of meningitis as a result of they combine with so many different college students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the micro organism on the again of their nostril and throat.

There are quite a few strains of the meningococcal an infection. The MenACWY vaccination offers good safety towards MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely supplied to youngsters in faculty Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine doesn’t defend towards all kinds of meningococcal an infection. Other strains reminiscent of MenB can flow into in younger adults, which is why it’s vital to know tips on how to spot the signs of meningitis and sepsis as early detection and remedy can save lives. 

Further info on meningococcal disease

Update 22 March

The UK Health Security Agency is constant to analyze an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.

As of 12:30pm on 21 March, 20 laboratory instances are confirmed and 9 notifications stay below investigation, bringing the entire to 29. This signifies that the quantity of confirmed instances has decreased by 3 since yesterday’s replace. Some instances initially categorised as confirmed instances have been reclassified following additional laboratory outcomes and medical investigation. As additional laboratory assessments are accomplished, we count on some additional possible instances to be downgraded in the approaching days. Sadly, 2 individuals are recognized to have died, with no additional deaths because the final replace. Notified cases numbers are published on a daily basis.

UKHSA wish to thank companions together with the NHS and the University of Kent, for his or her fast assist in making certain that antibiotics and vaccination are supplied to those that want it.

Eligible University of Kent college students who’ve returned dwelling can now entry each the MenB vaccination and preventative antibiotic remedy from their native GP follow. For any eligible college students who’ve returned, or will return to Scotland, please contact your native NHS Board’s Health Protection Team (HPT) in the primary occasion.

While the MenB vaccination affords the most effective longer-term safety for these affected by this outbreak, taking preventative antibiotics is a very powerful quick motion in response to the present outbreak.

Dr Sherine Thomas, Infectious Diseases Consultant at UKHSA, stated:

We proceed to stay vigilant for brand spanking new instances and work intently with NHS England and native authorities throughout the nation, to make sure that any new instances recognized are responded to as shortly as doable.

It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible younger folks come ahead for antibiotics and vaccination and we’d prefer to thank everybody concerned in this effort to date.

Although the chance to the broader inhabitants stays low, it’s nonetheless actually vital that individuals know the signs of invasive meningococcal disease and search quick medical consideration in the event that they or anybody they know develops them.  UKHSA continues to work with companions to determine contacts and provide crucial remedy.

Update 21 March

The UK Health Security Agency is constant to analyze an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.

As of 5pm on 20 March, 23 laboratory instances are confirmed and 11 notifications stay below investigation, bringing the entire to 34. Sadly, 2 individuals are recognized to have died, with no additional deaths because the final replace. Notified cases numbers are published on a daily basis.

Yesterday (Friday 20 March) UKHSA offered an replace on preliminary genetic evaluation of a the meningococcal pressure remoted throughout this outbreak and particulars on the growth of the vaccination provide to Kent college students.

UKHSA wish to thank companions together with the NHS and the University of Kent, for his or her fast assist in making certain that antibiotics and vaccination are supplied to those that want it. As of 5pm on Friday 20 March, 4,500 vaccinations have been given and over 10,500 doses of antibiotics have been administered.

Dr Ben Rush, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control  at UKHSA stated:

We proceed to stay vigilant for brand spanking new instances and work intently with NHS England and native authorities throughout the nation to make sure enhanced surveillance is in place. Any new instances can be recognized shortly and responded to.

It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible younger folks come ahead for antibiotics and vaccination and we’d prefer to thank everybody concerned in this effort to date.

It’s important that individuals are conscious of the indicators and signs of invasive meningococcal disease and search quick medical consideration in the event that they or anybody they know develops signs. The danger to the broader inhabitants stays low and UKHSA continues to work with companions to determine contacts and provide crucial remedy.

Update 20 March

The UK Health Security Agency is constant to analyze an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.

As of 5pm on 19 March, 18 laboratory instances are confirmed and 11 notifications stay below investigation, bringing the entire to 29. Sadly, 2 individuals are recognized to have died, with no additional deaths because the final replace. 

Notified cases are released on a daily basis.

As half of investigations, UKHSA laboratories have accomplished an preliminary genetic evaluation of a meningococcal pressure remoted throughout this outbreak. Results have confirmed that the Bexsero vaccine at the moment being supplied in Kent ought to present safety towards the pressure recognized. The strain belongs to a group of bacteria known as group B meningococci, sequence type 485 belonging to the larger clonal complex ST-41/44.

Similar strains have been circulating in the UK for round 5 years however detailed evaluation of the outbreak pathogen is required. UKHSA is publishing the obtainable knowledge in order that nationwide and worldwide companions can even perform additional scientific analysis.

UKHSA wish to thank companions together with the NHS and the University of Kent, for his or her fast assist in making certain that antibiotics and vaccination are supplied to those that want it. As of 5pm on Thursday 19 March, 2,360 vaccinations have been given and over 9,000 doses of antibiotics have been administered.

For additional particulars on the present vaccination rollout and particulars on clinics, see our statement from yesterday.

Notification on expansion of Meningitis B vaccination offer to Kent students has additionally been revealed.

Meera Chand, Strategic Response Director, stated:

The newest laboratory evaluation by UKHSA confirms that the vaccine being supplied to college students and different eligible teams ought to cowl this circulating pressure of MenB, with additional evaluation ongoing to grasp extra concerning the pressure.

It’s important that individuals are conscious of the indicators and signs of invasive meningococcal disease and search quick medical consideration in the event that they or anybody they know develops signs. The danger to the broader inhabitants stays low and UKHSA continues to work with companions to determine contacts and provide crucial remedy.

Further details about the vaccination programme might be discovered in the current UKHSA blog.

Update 19 March

The UK Health Security Agency is constant to analyze an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.

As of 5pm on 18 March, 15 laboratory instances are confirmed and 12 notifications stay below investigation, bringing the entire to 27. Sadly, 2 folks have died, with no additional deaths because the final replace. Notified cases are released on a daily basis.

Preventative antibiotic remedy continues to be given to University of Kent college students, and to anybody who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 and seven March, in addition to to shut contacts of those that are confirmed or suspected to have meningococcal disease.

To be certain that these might be simply accessed by anybody who has since travelled dwelling or away from Kent, antibiotics can be found from GPs throughout the nation to anybody who has been requested to hunt preventative remedy.

Currently, instances have been confirmed in college students at 4 faculties in Kent, in addition to one pupil at a better schooling establishment in London (who’s confirmed to be instantly linked to the outbreak).

While preventative antibiotic remedy stays a very powerful measure in controlling the outbreak, a focused MenB vaccination programme can also be being launched for long run safety. A vaccination programme has began for college kids and employees who stay in or work in the halls on the University of Kent Canterbury Campus – roughly 5,000 college students.

The vaccination programme can be expanded as required as UKHSA continues to evaluate any ongoing danger to different inhabitants teams. 

While 2 doses of the MenB vaccine helps defend people from getting in poor health with the disease, it doesn’t stop folks from carrying and spreading the micro organism in the group. This programme is due to this fact being focused in direction of these recognized as probably being at ongoing elevated danger of publicity.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, stated:

Two doses of the MenB vaccine helps defend people towards meningococcal B disease. It is vital to know that the MenB vaccine doesn’t defend towards all strains of meningococcal disease, nor towards all infections that may trigger meningitis. It additionally doesn’t stop the micro organism from being carried and unfold in the group. 

It is due to this fact nonetheless massively vital that individuals are conscious of the indicators and signs of invasive meningococcal disease, and that they search quick medical consideration in the event that they or anybody they know develops these indicators and signs.

If you will have been supplied preventative antibiotics, it’s strongly really helpful that you simply take them promptly. If you’re a pupil on the University of Kent who’s eligible however has since returned dwelling, contact your native GP, who will have the ability to present recommendation and prescribe the acceptable remedy.

The danger to the broader inhabitants stays low. UKHSA continues to actively hint and provide preventative antibiotics to these in shut contact with instances.

Further details about the vaccination programme might be discovered in the current UKHSA blog.

Update 18 March

The UK Health Security Agency is constant to analyze an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent. As of 5pm on 17 March, 9 laboratory instances are confirmed and 11 notifications stay below investigation, bringing the entire to twenty. Six of the confirmed instances are confirmed to be group B meningococcal disease.

Sadly 2 folks have died, with no additional deaths because the final replace.

One particular person who had resided in Kent introduced to a London hospital with no group contacts in London. All these affected who’re at the moment linked to the outbreak are younger adults. UKHSA is conscious of a child with confirmed Meningococcal group B an infection who is just not at the moment linked to the outbreak however UKHSA will proceed to analyze this case. 

This is a quickly evolving state of affairs and there could also be additional instances as these with signs are inspired to hunt medical recommendation.

Antibiotics stay the simplest remedy to restrict the unfold of invasive meningococcal disease. So far, over 2,500 doses have been given to college students, shut contacts and others together with some of those that attended Club Chemistry between 5 and seven March.

GPs throughout the nation will at present be suggested to prescribe antibiotics to anybody who visited Club Chemistry between 5 and seven March and to University of Kent college students, if they’ve been requested to hunt preventative remedy. This is in order that anybody who has travelled dwelling, or away from Kent, can simply entry this vital preventative remedy near them. 

Given the severity of the outbreak, and as an extra precautionary measure, a focused vaccination programme will start, beginning with college students which are residents of the Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence on the University of Kent who can be contacted instantly. Initially, it’s anticipated that as much as 5,000 college students can be contacted and supplied the vaccine. UKHSA will proceed to evaluate ongoing danger to different populations and the programme could also be prolonged.

UKHSA additionally continues to advise anybody who visited Club Chemistry on 5, 6 or 7 March to return ahead for preventative antibiotic remedy as a precautionary measure. This might be collected from the next websites, which stay open while individuals are nonetheless coming ahead for the preventative remedy:

1. Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG – open from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
2. Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT- open from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
3. Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Margate Northwood Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA – open from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
4. Senate Building at University of Kent, CT2 7NZ – open from 9am to 8pm.

Meningococcal disease can progress quickly. Signs and signs of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can embody a fever, headache, fast respiration, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and chilly arms and toes. Septicaemia can even trigger a attribute rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass.

Early signs can typically be confused with different sicknesses reminiscent of a chilly, flu or hangover and college students are significantly in danger of lacking the early warning indicators. If you or anybody develops any of these signs, search medical assist instantly by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency. Knowing the indicators and taking early remedy might be lifesaving.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, stated:

Around 2,500 doses of antibiotics have now been administered throughout websites in Kent and we proceed to encourage shut contacts to return ahead for the remedy. This consists of these supplied on the University of Kent and anybody who visited Club Chemistry between 5 and seven March.  This is the principle intervention that may assist defend folks and halt the unfold of the outbreak.

As an extra precaution and along with the NHS, we’re starting to roll out a focused MenB vaccination programme. This will initially be supplied to five,000 college of Kent college students resident on the Canterbury campus, with the chance that it could be prolonged, as it’s stored below continuous assessment.

If you assume you’ll have signs of meningitis, don’t hesitate to hunt medical assist by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111. Seeking early remedy can save lives.

UKHSA is coordinating a nationwide response to the outbreak. This doesn’t imply a nationwide NHS incident has been declared. A nationwide incident is a proper operational standing used when the well being service is below important system-wide stress, which isn’t the case with this outbreak. NHS companies proceed to function as regular.

Update 17 March

The UK Health Security Agency is constant to analyze an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent. As of 5pm on 16 March, 4 laboratory cases are confirmed and 11 notifications remain under investigation, bringing the total to 15. Sadly, this consists of 2 people who find themselves recognized to have died. This is a quickly evolving state of affairs and there could also be additional instances as these with signs are inspired to hunt medical recommendation.

Investigations have confirmed that some of the instances are group B meningococcal disease. From 2015, the MenB vaccine has been obtainable on the NHS as half of routine childhood immunisations and so these aged over 10 haven’t acquired it as half of the routine schedule.

Given the severity of the state of affairs, a small focused vaccination programme will start beginning with college students resident at Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence on the University of Kent in the approaching days. The vaccination programme could also be expanded additional as UKHSA continues to evaluate any ongoing danger to different populations. For now, the precedence stays for these supplied antibiotics to return ahead as that is extremely efficient at stopping the disease and transmission.

Some of the instances visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 and seven March previous to turning into unwell. UKHSA’s well being safety staff is working intently with the nightclub and companions together with the University of Kent to restrict the unfold. Students needing antibiotics have been supplied them by means of the college.

The UKHSA is advising anybody who visited Club Chemistry on 5 March, 6 March or 7 March to return ahead for preventative antibiotic remedy as a precautionary measure. This might be collected from the next websites:

1. Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG – open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
2. Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
3. Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Margate Northwood Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
4. Senate Building at University of Kent, CT2 7NZ – open from 9am to 8pm on Tuesday 17 March.

Meningococcal disease can progress quickly. Signs and signs of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can embody a fever, headache, fast respiration, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and chilly arms and toes. Septicaemia can even trigger a attribute rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass.

Early signs can typically be confused with different sicknesses reminiscent of a chilly, flu or hangover and college students are significantly in danger of lacking the early warning indicators. If you or anybody develops any of these signs, search medical assist instantly by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency. Knowing the indicators and taking early remedy might be lifesaving.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, stated:

People who want antibiotic remedy are responding to our calls to return ahead and we’re working intently with the NHS to make sure these are supplied on the varied websites all through at present.

Once once more we remind anybody who visited Club Chemistry between 5 and seven March to return ahead for preventative antibiotic remedy as a precaution, in addition to these supplied antibiotics on the college.

Investigations have now confirmed that some of the instances are Men B. It is vital to bear in mind that the MenACWY vaccine routinely supplied to youngsters doesn’t defend towards Men B, which is why figuring out the signs and looking for early remedy is so vital.

If you assume you’ll have signs of meningitis, don’t hesitate to hunt medical assist by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.

As half of the incident response, UKHSA has written to varsities in Kent offering steerage and recommendation, and continues to work with faculties the place instances have been recognized.

Update 16 March

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is constant to analyze an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent with 13 instances notified since 13 March. Sadly, this consists of 2 people who find themselves recognized to have died.

Investigations have confirmed some of the instances visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 to 7 March previous to turning into unwell. UKHSA’s well being safety staff is working intently with the nightclub and companions together with the University of Kent to restrict the unfold.

UKHSA is now advising anybody who visited Club Chemistry on 5 March, 6 March or 7 March to return ahead for preventative antibiotic remedy as a precautionary measure. This might be collected from the next websites:

1. Senate Building at University of Kent, CT2 7NZ – open till 8pm on Monday 16 March (queue closes 7.15pm) and from 9am to 8pm on Tuesday 17 March.
2. Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG – open till 8pm on Monday 16 March and deliberate to open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
3. Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
4. Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Margate Northwood Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30 pm on Tuesday 17 March.

Advice has been issued to 16,000 employees and college students on the University of Kent, the place antibiotics are additionally being supplied to those that want them.

Meningococcal disease can progress quickly. Signs and signs of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can embody a fever, headache, fast respiration, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting, and chilly arms and toes. Septicaemia can even trigger a attribute rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass.

Early signs can typically be confused with different sicknesses reminiscent of a chilly, flu or hangover, and college students are significantly in danger of lacking the early warning indicators. If you or anybody develops any of these signs, search medical assist instantly by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency. Knowing the indicators and taking early remedy might be lifesaving.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, stated:

Our ideas stay with the family and friends concerned and we perceive that many individuals in the college and wider group can be affected by this unhappy information.

Our investigations have recognized that some instances visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury and it’s important that anybody who visited the membership between 5 and seven March now comes ahead for preventative antibiotic remedy as a precaution, in addition to these supplied antibiotics on the college – these college students are being contacted instantly by means of the college.

If you assume you’ll have signs of meningitis, don’t hesitate to hunt medical assist by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.

Statement issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 15 March 2026.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS are arranging antibiotics for some college students in the Canterbury space of Kent following a quantity of instances of invasive meningococcal disease. The particular pressure has not been recognized these days.

From 13 to fifteen March 2026, 13 instances had been notified with indicators and signs of meningitis and septicaemia to UKHSA. Sadly, 2 individuals are recognized to have died.

UKHSA and the University of Kent are issuing recommendation to employees and college students. Specialists at UKHSA are interviewing affected people and their households to assist determine all shut contacts and organize antibiotics to restrict unfold.

Anyone who turns into unwell with signs of meningitis and septicaemia ought to search medical assist urgently on the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999. Early remedy might be lifesaving.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, stated:

We perceive that many individuals on the college and in the broader group can be affected by this unhappy information and we wish to provide our condolences to the family and friends concerned.  

Students and employees will understandably be feeling frightened concerning the danger of additional instances; nonetheless, we wish to reassure them that shut contacts of instances have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Advice and assist is being supplied to the broader pupil group, and to native hospitals and NHS 111, and we’re monitoring the state of affairs intently.

Meningococcal disease can progress quickly, so it’s important that college students and employees are alert to the indicators and signs of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which might embody a fever, headache, fast respiration, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and chilly arms and toes. Septicaemia can even trigger a attribute rash that doesn’t fade when pressed towards a glass.

Students are significantly in danger of lacking the early warning indicators of meningitis as a result of they are often simply confused with different sicknesses reminiscent of a foul chilly, flu or perhaps a hangover. That’s why it’s important that, if a good friend goes to mattress unwell, you verify on them often and don’t hesitate to hunt medical assist by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they’ve these signs otherwise you’re involved about them. This might save their life.