An outbreak of meningitis, caused by group B meningococcal bacteria, has been reported in Kent, United Kingdom. Health authorities are investigating the outbreak and responding comprehensively with provision of antibiotics to those with potential or known infection and a targeted vaccination programme with meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine.
Transmission of meningococcal bacteria, which can lead to meningitis, requires close and prolonged contact. Outbreaks are therefore uncommon, but occur more frequently under special risk conditions, such as crowded settings. Symptoms can worsen quickly and may include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, vomiting, confusion and rash. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital. Anyone who suspects meningitis should seek medical attention immediately.
Vaccines to prevent infection with several groups of meningococcal bacteria have been available for many years, but no single vaccine currently protects against them all. The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is therefore reminding teenagers and adults offered the MenB vaccine why it is so important even if they received meningococcal vaccination in the past. Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA said: “Teenagers in the United Kingdom are routinely offered a meningococcal vaccine against groups A, C, W and Y, but this vaccine will not protect them against MenB. So even if someone was vaccinated at school, they still need 2 doses of the MenB vaccine to help provide crucial protection during this outbreak. There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection, not all of them covered by the vaccines available and so it remains hugely important that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease. Early detection and treatment can save lives”.
Current WHO recommendations for meningococcal vaccination relate specifically to sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of disease caused by these bacteria is highest. Global recommendations are expected in the coming year.
WHO supports countries to defeat meningitis as a public health threat. WHO is monitoring the situation in the United Kingdom closely, is in contact with health authorities and stands ready to support as needed. Through “Defeating meningitis by 2030: a global road map”, WHO and partners aim to eliminate bacterial meningitis epidemics, reduce cases and deaths from vaccine-preventable meningitis, and reduce disability and improve the quality of life after meningitis.
WHO/Europe is holding a workshop on 28–29 April 2026 to review progress in implementing the roadmap in the WHO European Region, as well as to review regional priorities, disease burden and vaccine introduction status. Participants will include representatives of national immunization programmes, epidemiology departments of national public health centres, national bacteriological reference laboratories, and national immunization technical advisory groups.