What are the symptoms of meningitis and how is it spread?

Two people have died from meningitis in Kent, and another 18 people are confirmed to have the disease as part of an "unprecedented" outbreak which has now passed its peak. Three cases are still being investigated.

As a precaution, antibiotics and doses of the Meningitis B vaccine are being offered to thousands of people who may have been exposed to the disease, including some university students and school pupils in the area.

Health experts say they have identified some mutations to the strain of meningitis B bacteria that is responsible for the explosive outbreak - but it's not yet clear how these affected the spread of cases.

What are meningitis and 'invasive' meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. It can be very serious if not treated quickly.

The cause of the infection - either certain bacteria or viruses - can be determined by tests.

Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. It can lead to blood poisoning or sepsis, and can affect the brain.

This acute, severe infection is known as invasive meningitis. It means the infection has invaded into the blood stream or brain linings.

Meningitis B, or MenB, is the strain behind most cases of meningococcal disease in the UK, including nine of the confirmed cases in the current outbreak in Kent.

In the most recent full year, 2024-2025, there were 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, according to official data.

Doctors across England have been alerted to the signs and symptoms of meningitis, and the NHS has coordinated a national response, bringing in staff, antibiotics and vaccines to help tackle the Kent outbreak.

What meningitis vaccines are available, and who can get them?

Two vaccines protect against the main causes of meningitis and septicaemia.

The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis - meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y - and is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old. Anyone who missed out can get it for free until their 25th birthday.

The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria and is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year.

The vaccines do not contain any live bacteria and cannot cause meningitis.

Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of some other infections, meaning several other vaccinations can also help protect people.

A six-in-one vaccine given to young children - also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B vaccine - offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

A pneumococcal vaccine offers babies protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis.

The MMRV vaccine - which replaced the MMR vaccine in January 2026 - offers infants protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

The MMR vaccine is free for anyone who missed getting it when they were younger, regardless of their age.

Generally, it takes a couple of weeks to get full protection from a vaccine and some require booster doses.

Why aren't teenagers vaccinated against MenB?

The MenB vaccine was added to the UK NHS childhood immunisation programme for babies born on or after 1 July 2015.

That means teenagers and young adults over the age of 11 have not received this jab.

Young babies are vaccinated because they are more likely to get invasive infections more often than other age groups, and their bodies are less likely to be able to fight them off.

However, research suggests the MenB vaccine doesn't necessarily prevent transmission of the infection from person to person, doesn't target all the different B bacteria strains and doesn't provide very long-term protection.

UK vaccine experts have therefore concluded that it isn't cost effective to offer the MenB vaccine to adolescents, and the NHS does not currently offer a catch-up programme.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he had asked the government's vaccination advisers to consider whether that should now change.

Who can get the meningitis vaccine in Kent?

Given the severity of the situation, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) expanded the vaccination programme which initially targeted some University of Kent students.

As at 23 March, more than 10,600 people had received the meningitis B vaccine, and more than 13,300 doses of antibiotics had been administered.

Health officials say lab tests show that the vaccine being given should protect against the strain of meningitis that is currently circulating.

Anyone who went to Club Chemistry - the Canterbury nightclub at the centre of the outbreak - from 5 March onwards was asked to get both antibiotics and the vaccine.

Other people who were previously offered antibiotics can also get a jab.

That includes more students at the University of Kent and at Canterbury Christ Church University, as well as sixth formers at the four schools where there are confirmed or suspected cases.

Pupils in year 11 at those schools are now also being offered the vaccine to help boost protection and minimise disruption during important school exams.

Some parents have paid to vaccinate their teens privately. High street pharmacies offer a full course of two doses for around £220.

In response to growing demand for the jabs, Boots has implemented a queuing system and Superdrug has set up a waiting list.

Streeting said it was not surprising that some people had chosen to be vaccinated privately, but that it was "not necessary".

What meningitis signs should you look out for?

Symptoms can develop suddenly and can include:

How does meningitis spread and how can you stop it?

Outbreaks of meningococcal disease are rare, but can occur in places where large numbers of people group together, such as university campuses or entertainment venues.

Some people carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but can spread it to others through the exchange of spit or saliva in coughs, sneezes and kissing, or by sharing vapes and drinks. Close personal contact is necessary for spread to happen.

The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common.

It's possible to get meningitis more than once.

The best way to stop the disease spreading is to give antibiotics to people who may have come into contact with it.

That is why free antibiotics were offered to those who visited Club Chemistry on the relevant dates, live on the University of Kent campus at Canterbury or were close contacts of confirmed cases.

Vaccination can also provide some protection from future infection.

What should you do if you think you or a friend has meningitis?

Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis or sepsis should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999.

Early treatment can be lifesaving.

Young people in the affected area of Canterbury were advised to trust their instincts, and not wait for all symptoms to appear or for a rash to develop before seeking help via their GP or the 111 service.

They are also asked to check on friends who feel unwell.

"Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover," warn health officials.