Outbreak of meningococcal disease

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to investigate an outbreak of group B meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicemia) in Kent.     

Members can find the latest information associated with the outbreak on the UKHSA website.  

UKHSA is coordinating a national response to the outbreak and preventative antibiotic treatment is being given to anyone who was in close contact with those who are confirmed or suspected to have meningococcal disease.    

The onset of illness is often sudden, and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.  Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:

  • a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass  

  • sudden onset of high fever  

  • severe and worsening headache  

  • stiff neck  

  • vomiting and diarrhoea  

  • joint and muscle pain  

  • dislike of bright lights  

  • very cold hands and feet  

  • seizures  

  • confusion/delirium  

  • extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking  

If you or anyone you know develops any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency. 

For clinicians and NHS health care staff treating patients with suspected meningitis, infection prevention, control precautions and the use of appropriate PPE should be followed in line with the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England. (Appendix 11) 

UKHSA advise that clinicians should use appropriate PPE (including Level 2 PPE where clinically indicated) for assessment and management of suspected invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). 

  • Clinical staff should apply standard respiratory hygiene and infection control measures in routine clinical settings 

  • Wear a fluid resistant surgical facemask for routine care of patients with suspected invasive meningococcal disease 

  • Wear an FFP3 mask or Hood for aerosol-generating procedures performed on patients with suspected invasive meningococcal disease