20th March 2026

The meningitis outbreak in Kent March 2026.

Who is vulnerable? 

Anyone can get meningitis, but 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. 

  

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. 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 

  

It’s important to be aware of how to recognise sepsis (septicaemia or blood poisoning) as well as meningitis. The most important signs to look out for are: 

• fever and shivering 

• severe pains and aches in limbs and joints 

• vomiting 

• very cold hands and feet 

• pale or blotchy skin 

• rapid breathing 

• diarrhoea and stomach cramps 

• red or purple ‘bruised’ or blotchy rash on skin that does not fade under pressure - do the glass test. On dark skin, check inside the eyelids or roof of the mouth where the spots may be more visible 

• difficulty walking or standing 

• severe sleepiness, losing consciousness 

For more in formation on the symptoms please follow this link Meningitis-Symptoms-NHS

When should I seek medical help? 

Call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or someone in your care could have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis. Call NHS 111 if you're unsure. 

How do I protect myself? 

Several vaccines are offered free of charge by Bridge View Medical as part of the Routine Childhood Immunisation Schedule, which can help protect against certain causes of meningitis and septicaemia: 

• MenB vaccine: For babies given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year 

• 6-in-1 vaccine: For babies given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks 

• Rotavirus vaccine given at 8 weeks and 12 weeks 

• Pneumococcal vaccine: Two doses for babies given at 16 weeks and 1 year; single dose for adults aged 65+ 

• Hib/MenC vaccine: For babies given at 1 year (if born on or before 30 June 2024) 

• MMR vaccine: For babies given at 1 year, with a second dose at 18 months 

• MenACWY vaccine: For teenagers aged 13 to 14 

The Men B vaccine does not protect against all MenB bacterium types. This is why we always raise awareness for signs and symptoms alongside the available vaccines. 

What should I do if I’ve missed my meningitis vaccine? 

It is important for you or your child to have your vaccines when they are offered or as close to that time as possible.  Young children who have missed one or more dose of the MenB vaccine can have this free of charge before their second birthday and missed MMR or MMRV vaccine doses can be given at any age. 

Teenagers can arrange to have vaccines they have missed. We offer MenACWY to students who are under 25 years as well as MMR vaccines to eligible students. 

If you were born before 1 May 2015, there is no NHS catch up programme for the MenB vaccine. 

Can I have the MenB vaccine privately? 

Yes. For those aged over 2 years, the vaccination course consists of 2 doses. You will need to pay for these vaccines and find a private provider who offers these vaccines. Bridge View Medical does not offer this service. 

How is meningitis treated? 

People with suspected meningitis usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it's viral or bacterial. 

Bacterial meningitis typically requires hospital treatment for at least a week, including: 

• antibiotics given directly into a vein 

• fluids given directly into a vein 

• oxygen through a face mask 

Viral meningitis often doesn't require hospital treatment and tends to improve on its own within 7 to 10 days. Treatment focuses on rest, painkillers and anti-sickness medication to relieve symptoms.