UK Health Security Agency News and Media

20 Mar 2026

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent - UKHSA daily update

Update 20th March

The UK Health Security Agency is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent. As of 5pm on 19 March, 18 laboratory cases are confirmed and 11 notifications remain under investigation, bringing the total to 29. Sadly, 2 people are known to have died, with no further deaths since the last update. Notified cases are released on a daily basis.

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 Bexsero vaccine currently being offered in Kent should provide protection against the strain identified. The strain belongs to a group of bacteria known as group B meningococci, sequence type 485 belonging to the larger clonal complex ST-41/44.*

Similar strains have been circulating in the UK for around five years but detailed analysis of the outbreak pathogen is required. UKHSA is publishing the available data so that national and international partners can also carry out further scientific research.

UKHSA would like to thank partners including the NHS and the University of Kent, for their rapid support in ensuring that antibiotics and vaccination are offered to those who need it. As of 5pm on Thursday 19 March, 2,360 vaccinations have been given and 9,840 doses of antibiotics have been administered.

For further details on the current vaccination rollout and details on clinics, please see our statement from yesterday.

Meera Chand, Strategic Response Director, said:

“The latest laboratory analysis by UKHSA confirms that the vaccine being offered to students and other eligible groups should cover this circulating strain of MenB, with further analysis ongoing to understand more about the strain.

“It’s vital that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops symptoms. The risk to the wider population remains low and UKHSA continues to work with partners to identify contacts and offer necessary treatment.”

Further information about the vaccination programme can be found in the recent UKHSA blog.

Contact Information

Pip Reilly
 pip.reilly@ukhsa.gov.uk

Notes to editors

*This genome has UKHSA identifier (1926231), it will be on pubMLST.org identifier (190637).

Meningococcal disease:

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and sepsis) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and sepsis (blood poisoning).

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

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

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

There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningococcal infection. 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 sepsis as early detection and treatment can save lives. 

Further information on meningococcal disease

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