Meningitis Outbreak Update

There has been a recent outbreak of meningococcal disease linked to University of Kent and the Canterbury area.

While the overall risk to the wider public remains low, it’s important to stay alert to symptoms, especially if you have recently visited the area or had close contact with someone who has.

Symptoms to watch for

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Cold hands/feet or limb pain

What to do

If you or someone you know develops these symptoms, seek urgent medical attention immediately – early treatment saves lives.

Close contacts may be offered preventative antibiotics by UK Health Security Agency or local health services.

How to help reduce the spread

• 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
• Avoid sharing items that come into contact with the mouth (e.g. lip balm, lipstick, drinks, cutlery, vapes)
• Practice good respiratory hygiene (cover coughs/sneezes, wash hands regularly)
• Continue good hygiene practices and stay informed through trusted sources.

Since 2015, the Meningitis B vaccine has been available on the NHS as part of routine childhood immunisations and so those aged over 10 have not received it as part of the routine schedule. The NHS is not currently providing Meningitis B as a catch up, but if there was an outbreak in Suffolk, Public Health would advise us. Meningitis B may be able to be sourced privately at a local pharmacy. 

If you have a general enquiry about meningitis B, there is a national helpline you can call on 0344 225 3861
As of 19th March, vaccination has been extended to everyone who has been offered preventative antibiotic treatment as part of this outbreak.

At the present time, this includes

• Students at the University of Kent who are normally resident on the Canterbury Campus, including those who may have now travelled home. Some staff living or working in these Halls of Residence have also been offered antibiotic prophylaxis.
• Students in relevant halls of residence or other private dwellings who attend other universities in Canterbury and have been advised to take an antibiotic due to a close contact.
• Individuals who attended Club Chemistry from 5th March until it closed voluntarily on March 16th.

Published: Mar 20, 2026