This is a changing situation and we endeavour to update this page with the latest information at the earliest opportunity. Last update: Friday 20 March, 4pm

There is an ongoing meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent. Some cases in this outbreak are now confirmed to be meningitis B, known as MenB.

While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is coordinating a national response to the outbreak, this does not mean a national NHS incident has been declared.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It is caused by different bacteria and viruses. MenB is the most common form of the disease.

NHS information about meningitis

The transmission of Meningitis B requires close and prolonged contact.

If you have specific concerns about the Meningitis B outbreak in Kent – particularly if you live in the areas affected – please speak to your kidney doctor for personalised medical advice.

How infectious is Meningitis B?

It is really important to remember that transmission of Meningitis B requires close and prolonged contact to spread. This can include living in the same household or intimate contact such as kissing, or sharing vapes or drinks.

The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and Covid-19. 

If you or someone you know becomes unwell and are worried about meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.

Should face masks be worn?

The UKHSA do not advise wearing face masks as they have no role in controlling meningococcal disease outbreaks. Speaking to the BBC, Prof. Dr. Anjan Ghosh, Director of Public Health at Kent County Council, said there was no reason to wear masks because of the type of contact which led to transmission: "They can actually create the wrong message as well, because it can actually spread panic and again, revive the memories of Covid when not this is not Covid, it is a very specific infection which has a specific way of spreading."

You may have seen healthcare professionals wearing masks which appears to contradict this. Please note that the guidance for all clinical staff during a respiratory outbreak is to wear a mask; this isn’t new and of course applied for Covid-19. But meningococcal disease doesn’t spread like Covid-19, so for the public there is no need to wear a mask.

What action is being taken around the affected area of Kent?

On 18 March, GPs across the country were advised to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 and 7 March and to University of Kent students, if they have been asked to seek preventative treatment.

This is so that anyone who has travelled home, or away from Kent, can easily access this important preventative treatment close to them. Given the severity of the outbreak, and as an additional precautionary measure, a targeted vaccination programme has begun, starting with students that are residents of the Canterbury Campus Halls of Residence at the University of Kent.

Initially, it’s expected that up to 5,000 students will be contacted and offered the vaccine. UKHSA will continue to assess ongoing risk to other populations and the programme may be extended.

As part of investigations, UKHSA laboratories have completed an initial genetic analysis of a meningococcal strain isolated during this outbreak. Results have confirmed that the vaccine currently being offered in Kent should provide protection against the strain identified.

What is the advice for the general population and kidney patients?

For anyone else, the advice is the same as it is for the general public. If you think you may have symptoms of meningitis, don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111. 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

For more information, read the UK Health Security Agency's newly published advice: Who is eligible for the MenB vaccine and do I need it myself?