Meningitis – no new cases

The number of cases linked to the Kent outbreak is currently stable, indicating that the preventative programme of measures taken in the South-East has made an impact. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have confirmed the risk to the wider population is low.   

• Follow the UKHSA Blog for latest information and FAQs 

While there have been some single cases reported elsewhere in the media, these are not linked to the Kent outbreak. It’s important to note that on average in the UK, outside of the situation in the South-East, it is usual to see one case of invasive meningitis reported each day across the country. While bringing some level of reassurance of not being at heightened risk, this of course still makes understanding the disease and its transmission and prevention important.  

Transmission and prevention 

There are multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria (MenA, Men B, MenC, MenW, and MenY) and many of the cases in Kent are MenB. The bacteria that cause MenB can only be passed to others after a long period of close contact, for example living in the same household or intimate contact such as kissing or sharing vapes and drinks.   

A targeted MenB vaccination program has been underway in Kent, along with wider preventative measures (including preventative antibiotics for those who have been in close contact with confirmed cases). Outside of this specific current programme in Kent, the MenB vaccine is offered in the UK in early childhood and is available privately to others, for a fee.  

The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against the other strains - MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is freely available up to the age of 25. Contact your GP (family doctor) to check you are up to date with your vaccinations. The University also recently hosted a vaccination pop-up offering this vaccine which was very well attended. We are working with local health partners to provide more of these in the future.   

Signpost students to helpful resources

Developed and launched by one of our University colleagues in partnership with Meningitis Now, after her own personal experience, the Personal Health and Illness Prevention Programme was developed as resource pack and lesson plan for 16-18 year olds, though its content can be helpful more broadly:  

• Helping students to access reliable health information and services and to know how to describe their symptoms to healthcare professionals

• Learning more about meningitis vaccinations, the signs and symptoms and how to seek urgent help  

Students can download the lesson plan and resources for free from the Personal Health and Illness Prevention Programme.

The resources were part funded by the School of Health Sciences Social Responsibility & EDI Dragon’s Den award, and part by Meningitis Now, and developed jointly with the PSHE Association.  

Further information   

• Meningitis – know the symptoms | StaffNet | The University of Manchester
• Meningitis and septicaemia (information for students in University Residences) 
• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) blog: What is meningitis? 
• The Meningitis Research Foundation, www.meningitis.org 0808 800 3344 (24 hours) 
• Meningitis Now, www.meningitisnow.org 0808 80 10 388 (9am – 8pm) 

If you need further support or advice, our University’s Occupational Health team can also be contacted at: OccupationalHealth@manchester.ac.uk