Meningitis explained: Causes, symptoms, how it can spread and what to do to protect yourself against the disease

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has offered his condolences to the families and friends of two young people who have died following the outbreak of meningitis B in Kent. There have been no further deaths.

At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday Sir Keir Starmer said: “Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of the two young people who have died following the outbreak of meningitis B in Kent.

“Others are seriously ill. This will be a deeply difficult time for their loved ones.

“Health experts are working to identify close contacts and distribute antibiotics and will begin a targeted vaccination programme in the coming days.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that the fatal meningitis cases have been caused by invasive meningococcal disease on Tuesday.

It has been confirmed that Meningitis B (MenB) is the strain behind the outbreak in Kent.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said:  "This is a rapidly evolving situation and there may be further cases as those with symptoms are encouraged to seek medical advice." 

The UKHSA West Midlands has warned any local people who were in Club Chemistry in Kent that they will need antibiotics.  

So far, over 2,500 doses have been given to students, close contacts and others including some of those who attended Club Chemistry between 5 and 7 March.

French authorities have said a person who was admitted to hospital with meningitis in France after coming back from England is now in a “stable” condition.

The French Ministry of Health added no other cases of meningitis linked to the outbreak in Kent have been reported in France.

Thousands to be vaccinated against meningitis B

The rollout of meningitis B vaccines to students in halls of residence at the University of Kent is expected to start today (Wednesday). 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. 

Boots has implemented a queuing system for customers to enter the vaccination service page of its website, with a warning that demand for its menB jab is currently high.

Superdrug has also created a waiting list for the vaccine, with a note on its website informing customers of a “national shortage”. It said it is “working with suppliers to access further stock”.

Routine vaccination agaist MenB for babies and young children was rolled out from 2015 - so the current generation of students and others in their late teens have not been covered.

13 cases have been notified to the UKHSA between March 13 and 15 with signs of meningitis and septicaemia.

The government health body is arranging antibiotics from students in the Canterbury area and advice is being issued to staff and students at the University of Kent.

The UKHSA added: "UKHSA is coordinating a national response to the outbreak. This does not mean a national NHS incident has been declared. A national incident is a formal operational status used when the health service is under significant system-wide pressure, which is not the case with this outbreak. NHS services continue to operate as normal." 

What causes Meningitis?

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease which can progress rapidly. It is caused by meningococcal bacteria.  

Outbreaks have become much rarer with improved vaccination programmes and public awareness.

Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis.

The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.

Some people carry bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but spread it to others in spit or saliva through coughs and sneezes, kissing and sharing utensils.

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

It's possible to get meningitis more than once.

Outbreaks of meningococcal disease are rare, but can occur in settings where people group together, such as university campuses.

What are the symptoms of Meningitis?

Meningitis can look similar to common illnesses like cold or flu at first - but someone with meningitis will become seriously ill in a matte of hours.

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

Symptoms can appear in any order and may not always be present at once.

The UKHSA advises calling 999 immediately or going to your nearest A&E if you think you or someone in your care could have meningitis or septicaemia, as people can become unwell very quickly.

You can call NHS 111 if you're unsure whether it's serious.

Who is at risk of Meningitis and what you can do to protect yourself, including vaccination

Young people going on to university or college for the first time are particularly at risk of meningitis because they mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat, the UKHSA said.

There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY. 

Other routine childhood vaccines, such as the 6-in-1 vaccine and MMR, protect against infections that can also cause meningitis.

The pneumococcal vaccine is offered to babies in two doses or a single dose to adults aged 65 or over.

Teenagers, sixth formers and freshers attending university for the first time can have the MenACWY vaccine, which can help protect against meningitis and sepsis.

The UKHSA said: “The MenACWY is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. 

“However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningitis. 

“Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.”

While the NHS offers vaccinations to those most at risk, private vaccinations are available at some travel clinics, private GP practices and pharmacies.

What other ways can I help protect myself from meningitis?

It is a good habit to practice handwashing hygiene, washing your hands after coughing or sneezing.

You can also avoid sharing items which come into contact with your mouth, such as food, drink and eating utensils.

Regularly cleaning surfaces can also help reduce the spread of germs.

How is meningitis treated?

People with suspected meningitis may have to have hospital tests to get a diagnosis and find out if their illness is a viral or bacterial infection.

Bacterial meningitis usually requires hospital treatment for at least a week, including antibiotics, fluids and oxygen.

What is being done to help people infected in Kent?

The UKHSA and NHS are arranging antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury area of Kent.

UKHSA and the University of Kent are issuing advice to staff and students. Specialists at UKHSA are interviewing affected individuals and their families to help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread. 

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said:

We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved.  

Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Advice and support is being offered to the wider student community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.

Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.

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. That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them. This could save their life."