What you need to know about meningitis
Keep up to date with the latest information with the UKHSA Blog – What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself – UK Health Security Agency
Most cases are students from the University of Kent and sixth-form students from local secondary schools. Several cases share exposure at Club Chemistry, a Canterbury nightclub, between 5 and 7 March 2026.
While this outbreak is centred in Kent, students and young people may have returned to the South West.
UKHSA and NHS England have asked GPs across the country to prescribe preventative antibiotics (chemoprophylaxis) to anyone who:
- Visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5, 6 or 7 March 2026
- Is a University of Kent student and has been asked to seek preventative treatment
- Is a close contact identified through UKHSA risk assessment
Anyone who is a close contact or who visited Club Chemistry on the relevant dates should be advised to:
- Be alert to symptoms of meningococcal disease and septicaemia
- Seek urgent medical attention immediately if symptoms develop, even if they have already taken prophylaxis
- Call 999 in an emergency, contact their GP, or call NHS 111
Anyone becoming 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.
Following a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease in the Canterbury area of Kent Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said:
“We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved.
“Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Advice and support is being offered to the wider student community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.
“Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.
“Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover. That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them. This could save their life.”
Find out more Meningitis – NHS
Read the UKHSA Blog – What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself – UK Health Security Agency
UKHSA outbreak updates – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent
Download assets – Meningitis Toolkit – Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB
Further information on meningococcal disease is available from:
- The NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/
- The Meningitis Research Foundation: www.meningitis.org 0808 800 3344 (24 hours)
- Meningitis Now: www.meningitisnow.org 0808 80 10 388 (9am – 8pm)