Understanding the Meningitis B Outbreak: Essential Information You Need

Health authorities are managing a developing Meningitis B outbreak in Kent. The update was issued at 3pm on Thursday 19 March.

Outbreak summary

The cluster is linked to the meningococcal B (MenB) strain. Two people have died. All identified cases so far remain connected to Kent.

Officials say the risk to the wider public remains low. Contact tracing and targeted measures are underway.

Transmission and risk

Meningococcal B spreads through close, prolonged contact. This includes household contacts, kissing, and sharing drinks or vapes.

The bacteria are less contagious than measles or COVID-19. Public health teams are focusing on close contacts and high-risk settings.

Who should take antibiotics

Preventative antibiotics are being offered to close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases. They were also offered to anyone who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5, 6 or 7 March.

A single course of antibiotics prevents infection and carriage in about 90% of cases. Stocks are available at universities, hospitals, and ambulance services.

Where to collect antibiotics

• James Williams Healthy Living Centre, Pentagon Centre, Military Road, Chatham, ME4 4HY. Thurs 19, Fri 20, Sat 21 March 08:30–17:30. Sun 22 March 10:30–14:30.
• Vicarage Lane Clinic, Ashford, TN23 1NJ. Thurs 19 March 08:30–19:30.
• Senate Building, University of Kent, CT2 7NZ. Open daily 09:00–17:00.
• Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG. Open daily 08:30–20:00.
• Thanet Community Health Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA. Open daily 08:30–20:00. Last patient seen 19:30.
• Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, CT1 2BT. Open daily 08:30–19:30.

If you were at the event or had close contact and have since returned home, contact your local GP for antibiotics.

Vaccination response

A targeted vaccination programme has been launched in response to the outbreak. Vaccination began with students living in University of Kent Canterbury campus halls.

The offer has been extended to everyone who received preventative antibiotics. Sixth form students in affected schools and colleges are also being offered vaccines.

Vaccine stocks are sufficient. Distribution is being coordinated with local partners. The programme may expand as risk assessments continue.

Vaccine effectiveness and safety

The MenB vaccine protects against serious disease caused by meningococcal B. It does not prevent all meningitis causes or stop bacterial carriage.

The vaccine joined the NHS infant schedule in 2015. Those born before 1 May 2015 probably did not receive it as part of routine immunisation.

Use of the MenB vaccine in infants has led to a 75% reduction in MenB cases in vaccinated groups. The safety profile is strong.

Common side effects include fever, injection-site redness or swelling, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, and muscle pain. Symptoms usually resolve in one to two days. Paracetamol can help. Serious reactions are very rare.

Other vaccines and eligibility

The MenACWY vaccine protects against other meningococcal strains. It does not protect against MenB. Teenagers are typically offered MenACWY in Years 9 and 10.

If you missed MenACWY at school, you can get a free catch-up vaccine from your GP. Also ensure MMR and other routine vaccines are up to date.

Symptoms and urgent actions

Know the warning signs. Look for a non-blanching rash, sudden high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Other concerning signs include photophobia, very cold hands and feet, seizures, confusion, or extreme sleepiness. Seek urgent care at A&E or call 999 immediately.

You can contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice, but call 999 in an emergency. Early treatment can save lives.

Policy and next steps

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) currently does not recommend a routine MenB booster for adolescents or young adults. Decisions on wider vaccination follow DHSC and JCVI advice.

UKHSA is reviewing evidence and will advise the JCVI accordingly. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments and report new guidance.

Where to find updates

Public health authorities are updating case numbers daily at 09:30. Follow official channels for the latest essential information on the Meningitis B outbreak and next steps.