Meningitis B outbreak – information for patients

We are receiving queries from concerned patients and parents regarding the current meningitis B (MenB) outbreak in Kent. Below is the latest available information and guidance.

Response to the outbreak

Patients who remain in Kent will be contacted and treated via mass treatment sites at the university, where antibiotic prophylaxis is being provided. However, this may not include everyone who has since returned home.

Patients who are concerned — even if they have no symptoms — including those who:

• have been in contact with a confirmed case

• have recently been in Kent

• or have general enquiries

can access further support:

• UKHSA Helpline: 0344 225 3861

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm

Local GP practices outside Kent (including Derbyshire) are not currently authorised to provide outbreak response treatment. A local provider is expected to be arranged, and we will share updates as soon as available.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges), usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

It can become very serious if not treated quickly and may lead to life-threatening sepsis, as well as permanent brain or nerve damage. It can affect anyone, but is most common in:

• babies

• young children

• teenagers

• young adults

Symptoms of meningitis

Symptoms can develop suddenly, appear in any order, and progress rapidly. Not all symptoms may be present.

• High temperature (fever)

• Vomiting

• Severe, worsening headache

• Rash that does not fade when pressed (note: a rash may not always appear)

• Stiff neck

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

• Drowsiness or difficulty waking

• Seizures (fits)

• Very cold hands and feet

What to do if you suspect meningitis

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you think you or someone you care for may have meningitis or sepsis.

• Do not wait for all symptoms to appear

• Do not wait for a rash

• Do not delay if you are concerned

Rapid hospital assessment is critical.

Please do not book a GP appointment or submit an online consultation if meningitis or sepsis is suspected.

How can I protect against meningitis?

The current outbreak involves meningitis B (MenB).

MenB vaccination

• Routinely offered to babies:

  • 8 weeks

  • 12 weeks

  • booster at 1 year

• Not currently offered to those over 2 years old unless they are at increased medical risk (e.g. spleen problems)

• GP surgeries cannot provide MenB vaccination privately

Other routine vaccinations that help protect against meningitis

• 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B): 8, 12, 16 weeks and 18 months

• Pneumococcal vaccine: 16 weeks and 1 year (plus adults aged 65+)

• MMRV vaccine: 12 and 18 months

• MenACWY vaccine: teenagers, sixth form students, and new university students

GP practices can provide the MenACWY vaccine to anyone under 25 on request.

For school-aged children, please contact the School Aged Immunisation Service (Intrahealth):

 Derbyshire School Aged (Immunisation Service) | Intrahealth

• Phone: 03333 583 397 (option 5)

Vaccination reminder

As your GP practice, we strongly encourage all eligible patients to attend for recommended vaccinations.

We remain concerned that some patients — particularly babies and young children — are not fully vaccinated, leaving them at risk of serious but preventable illness.

If you have previously declined a vaccine or wish to catch up, please contact us.

Further information

For more detailed guidance, please refer to:

• Cases of invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent - GOV.UK

• Meningitis Research Foundation | The world’s leading meningitis charity

• Meningitis Now | Meningitis charity | Research and awareness