Meningitis cases are on the rise in a county in southeast England, with five new infections confirmed on Wednesday. Experts describe this outbreak as one of the most rapid they’ve observed in the UK.
What happened and where?
On March 15, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a health alert, noting two deaths linked to this meningitis outbreak. The incidents occurred in and around Canterbury, a city of around 60,000 residents in Kent, not far from London. Health officials later identified the strain as meningitis B (MenB).
How many people were affected?
By March 17, the UKHSA reported a total of 20 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, which is a notable increase from the initial 11 cases. This total includes the two fatalities.
Where did the outbreak originate?
Authorities believe that the initial cases are associated with attendees of Club Chemistry, a nightclub in Canterbury, around March 5 to 7. The club has since voluntarily closed its doors.
Who died?
One identified victim is 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, who was preparing for her A-levels, the academic qualifications for students in the UK aged 16 to 18. The headteacher of Queen Elizabeth’s grammar school, located about 10 miles from Canterbury, described Juliette as “incredibly kind, thoughtful, and intelligent,” adding that she was very happy at school. The other deceased individual, whose name has not been released, was a student at the University of Kent.
What has the response been?
The UKHSA initiated a comprehensive response beginning March 15, which included plans for antibiotic distribution on the university campus. Individuals who were at Club Chemistry on the specified dates have been encouraged to seek antibiotics. On March 17, the UKHSA also announced a targeted vaccination campaign against MenB for students living in university halls, indicating that this initiative could be expanded later.
Are meningitis outbreaks common in the UK?
UKHSA chief executive Susan Hopkins remarked that the rapid increase in cases is “unprecedented,” labeling the outbreak as “explosive.” Wes Streeting, the UK government health secretary responsible for health and social care, expressed concern over the speed and breadth of the outbreak.
The UKHSA reported 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in 2024-25, with MenB accounting for 80% of those cases.
Is there a meningitis vaccination programme in the UK?
Since 2015, the MenB vaccine has been offered to infants at eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year. Other routine childhood vaccinations, such as the 6-in-1 and pneumococcal vaccines, also provide some protection against meningitis. The MenACWY vaccine, covering additional meningococcal strains, is given to teenagers in school years 9 and 10, and can be administered until the age of 25.
However, teenagers born before 2015 have not been vaccinated against MenB. Despite MenB representing 80% of invasive meningococcal disease cases, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has not considered it cost-effective for teenagers. This is mainly because it does not prevent the bacteria from spreading, does not target all MenB strains, and its protection is not long-lasting.
In light of the outbreak, Streeting stated he has requested the JCVI to revisit the eligibility for meningitis vaccinations, doing so without influencing their decision-making.
