The NHS stresses: « Trust your instincts and do not wait » (Image: Getty )
The NHS has urgent guidance for anyone on its website as two people have died following a meningitis outbreak, and more than 30,000 people are now being contacted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). From March 13-15, 2026, 13 cases were reported with signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia to UKHSA.
The specific strain has not been identified at the present time. The UKHSA and the University of Kent are issuing guidance to staff and students.
A statement on Gov.uk reads: « Anyone who becomes unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999. Early treatment can be lifesaving. »
The Press Association reports that students have been queuing on the University of Kent campus in Canterbury today, March 16, to collect antibiotics. A number of students were wearing face masks, and staff handed out more to those waiting.
The NHS website provides up-to-date information on meningitis, including symptoms to watch out for, the Mirror reports. Meningitis can become « very serious if not treated quickly ».
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The health service says: « Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
« Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis. »
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
The NHS outlines eight symptoms of meningitis, which it says can develop suddenly. It adds: « These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms. »
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
Additional symptoms, which may not always be present, according to the UKHSA, include diarrhoea, joint and muscle pain, extremely cold hands and feet, confusion, delirium, extreme sleepiness and difficulty waking.
Students queueing to receive antibiotics at the University of Kent in Canterbury after an outbreak of meningitis caused the deaths of two people (Image: Getty)
When should you get medical help?
In crucial emergency advice online, the NHS emphasises: « Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest AandE immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
« Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again. »
Meningitis is frequently caused by either a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is less prevalent but more serious than viral meningitis.
Infections that trigger meningitis can spread through activities such as sneezing, coughing, and kissing. Young people going on to university or college for the first time are particularly at risk of meningitis because they mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
Typically, people contract meningitis from others who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, but don’t display any symptoms. It can also be passed on from someone who already has meningitis, although this occurs less often.
The NHS says viral meningitis often improves on its own and usually doesn’t result in lasting complications. Most people with bacterial meningitis who receive swift treatment will make a full recovery, but a few may experience serious long-term complications.
These can include hearing loss or vision loss, which may be partial or complete, difficulties with memory and concentration, and recurrent seizures (epilepsy), coordination, movement and balance difficulties and loss of limbs – amputation of affected limbs is occasionally necessary. The NHS warns: « Overall, it’s estimated up to one in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal. »
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