Statement issued by the UK Health Security Agency on 15 March 2026.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS are arranging antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury area of Kent following a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease. The specific strain has not been identified at the present time.
For more information including signs and symptoms, please click on the link below:
Cases of invasive meningococcal disease confirmed in Kent - GOV.UK
UKHSA helpline for the public. Opening times are Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm – 0344 225 3861, if you have no symptoms but are concerned you have been in contact with a confirmed case or have a general enquiry.
Criteria for prophylaxis:
contact with/or self-reported contact with a confirmed case of meningococcal diseases/meningitis
Living on the Kent University Campus
Attended the Chemistry night club on 5th,6th or 7th March 2026
Available at:
- Senate Building, University of Kent, CT2 7NZ - Open daily from 9am to 8pm.
- Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG - Open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
- Thanet Community Health Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA - Open daily from 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm).
- Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT - Open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
Health Publications orderline: https://www.healthpublications.gov.uk/Home.html
Meningitis NOW: https://www.meningitisnow.org (Tel: 0808 801 0388)
Meningitis Research Foundation: www.meningitis.org (Tel: 0808 800 3344).
National guidelines on the management of meningococcal cases and their contacts can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningococcal-disease-guidance-on-public-health-management
Preventing the spread of meningococcal disease
The best way to stop the disease spreading is by giving antibiotics to the very close contacts of the patient with the illness. That usually means that only people who live in the same house as the sick person need treatment.
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 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.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease
It is sensible to be aware of the main signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, outlined below.
Some common signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease
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High temperature
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Rapid breathing
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Vomiting or diarrhoea and stomach cramps
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Joint or muscle pain
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Cold hands and feet
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Severe headache
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Pale blotchy skin
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Stiff neck
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Confusion and/or irritability
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Dislike of bright light
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Drowsiness or difficult to wake
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Rash or bruising rash
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Seizures or fits
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One or more of these symptoms may develop and they can appear in any order.
Meningococcal disease can be hard to identify at first because it can be like a bad case of flu. However, anyone affected with meningococcal disease will usually become seriously ill within a few hours. You should keep checking yourself/ your child if they are unwell and contact your GP (family doctor) or NHS 111 for advice if you have any concerns.
If you become worried about your/your child’s condition, particularly if they are getting worse, seek medical help urgently at the closest A&E Department or by dialling 999.
Be watchful and use your instincts. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
Further information on meningococcal disease is available from:
The Meningitis Research Foundation, www.meningitis.org telephone: 0808 800 3344
Meningitis Now, www.meningitisnow.org telephone: 0808 80 10 388 helpline email address: helpline@meningitisnow.org
