This information was last updated on: March 19th 2026
What is meningitis?
Meningitis means an infection of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord.
It can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The most common type is called meningitis B or Men B. It is caused by bacteria. In 2024/2025 there were just over 300 cases of Men B in the UK.
What has happened in Kent?
Meningitis cases almost always happen on their own. The current outbreak in Kent is unusual. 15 cases have now been confirmed with another 12 suspected cases. Some of these have been confirmed as meningitis B (numbers as of March 19th). Most cases are linked to a nightclub in Canterbury. Most of those affected are university students.
Am I at risk from this meningitis outbreak?
Meningitis is not like flu or Covid. It is much harder for meningitis to spread from person to person. It is only passed on by close, prolonged contact. For example kissing or sharing drinks or vapes.
You cannot get it from being near someone who has it. Or from touching something they have touched.
The government is advising antibiotics and a meningitis B vaccine for anyone who:
- went to Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5th and March 15th, or
- is a student at the University of Kent or Canterbury Christ Church University, or
- is a sixth form (year 12 or 13) student at a school with a confirmed case, or
- is a close contact of a confirmed or suspected case
Am I more at risk if I am immunosuppressed?
It is very natural to be worried about any news of a disease outbreak. Especially if a medical condition or treatment weakens your immune system.
Like anyone else, if you have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case you should contact your GP or call NHS 111 straight away. If you are advised to have the meningitis B vaccine it should be safe for you to have it. But your doctor will be able to give you personal advice.
Because meningitis is so hard to catch it is very unlikely that it is a risk. But if you have any concerns, contact your specialist liver team or GP for advice.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Even if the risk from the current outbreak is low, it is a good idea to know about the symptoms of meningitis.
Symptoms can come on suddenly and it is important to get medical help quickly. Symptoms include:
- high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- being drowsy or unresponsive
- fits (seizures)
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed over it
Many people will not get all these symptoms. Do not wait to see if a rash appears before getting help for possible meningitis.
What should I do if I think I have meningitis?
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you think you or someone you care for has meningitis.
Call NHS 111 if you are not sure what to do or if you may have been in contact with someone who has meningitis. Let them know if you have a liver condition or if you are immunosuppressed.
Find out more about meningitis from the NHS
Get the latest government update on the Kent outbreak
We would like to thank Professor Stephen Ryder, consultant hepatologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust for reviewing this information on March 19th 2026