Meningitis Alert Posted or Updated on 27 Mar 2026

We are sharing important guidance following a reported Meningitis outbreak.

Meningitis can become serious very quickly, so it is important to recognise the symptoms early and know what action to take.

Symptoms to watch for

Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Vomiting
• Non-blanching rash (a rash that does not fade when pressed)
• Confusion, drowsiness, or altered consciousness
• Limb pain, cold hands and feet, or mottled skin (early warning signs)

When to seek urgent help

If you or someone else has symptoms of Meningitis or is rapidly becoming more unwell, seek urgent medical care immediately by calling 999 or attending A&E.

Do not delay seeking help.

If you are concerned but have no symptoms

If you believe you may have been in contact with a confirmed case but do not have symptoms:

• Please follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
• Do not seek antibiotics from a pharmacy
• Click here to review the information on the NHS Website Meningitis - NHS

A dedicated UKHSA helpline is available for advice:
📞 0344 225 3861 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)

Pharmacy and GP guidance

Community pharmacies are supporting patients with advice, but anyone with symptoms suggestive of Meningitis will be directed to urgent emergency care.

Vaccination (MenB)

A targeted NHS vaccination programme is in place for a small group of eligible individuals.

This includes some students from the University of Kent who are unable to access local vaccination clinics.

If you believe you are eligible and have not yet been vaccinated:

• Please contact your GP practice
• If you are not registered with a GP, you can register as a permanent or temporary patient

Final advice

Meningitis is a serious condition, but early treatment saves lives.

If in doubt, always seek urgent medical help.