20/03/2026
There is currently an ongoing outbreak of invasive meningitis, a form of meningococcal disease - in Kent.Meningitis is a serious condition where the protective layers (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed.
It has many causes, such as different germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In the UK, most cases are due to bacteria or viruses. Some of the bacteria that cause meningitis can also lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning), and both conditions can result in sepsis, which is life-threatening.
Although anyone can get meningitis, it’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It needs to be treated quickly so it is important to know the signs and symptoms which can happen in any order and may not all be present.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Early symptoms – such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches – can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu. But someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours.
That’s why it’s crucial to keep checking on anyone who is unwell.
Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not happen at all. For meningitis, common signs and symptoms include:
• fever
• a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help)
• vomiting
• stiff neck
• dislike of bright lights
• rash
• confusion, delirium
• severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
• Fits
How is meningitis spread?
Meningitis spreads in a similar way to a cold - through close contact or lengthy contact with someone carrying the infection who may not show any signs of infection themselves. Most cases occur in individuals but outbreaks sometimes happen in schools or places where people share living space, such as university halls.
Am I protected from MenB by childhood vaccines (MenACWY)?
The MenB vaccine was added to the NHS immunisation schedule for infants in 2015, providing protection for babies and young children in the UK.
It is separate from the MenACWY.
If you are a teenager or young adult born before 1 May 2015, you will not have received the MenB vaccine as part of the NHS schedule.
