Public Health advice on meningitis cases in Kent

17 March 2026

​​Public Health Jersey is aware of reports of meningitis cases affecting young people in Canterbury and the surrounding area, including students at the University of Kent. The risk to people living outside of the area is very low.

The response is being coordinated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is responsible for identifying individuals who may have been exposed and offering appropriate public health measures, such as precautionary antibiotics, where necessary. Anyone who may have been at increased risk will be contacted directly by health authorities and provided with the relevant advice. Students from Jersey studying in the area, including those returning home for the Easter break, should follow the advice provided by UKHSA and their university. 

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults, it can be very serious if not treated quickly. It is important that Islanders are aware of the symptoms of meningitis and that urgent medical attention is sought if there are concerns about symptoms via the emergency department.

Public Health recommends that students and young adults check that they are up to date with all routinely recommended vaccinations including all meningitis vaccines. In Jersey, the MenACWY vaccine is available free of charge up to the age of 25. This vaccine protects against several important strains of meningococcal disease and is recommended for teenagers and young adults, including those attending university. Anyone unsure about their vaccination status can contact the Immunisation Team on 01534 443741 or their GP practice for advice. 

It has been confirmed that the strain of meningitis circulating in Kent is MenB. This is a form of bacterial meningitis, which is very rare and when seen it is most likely to affect babies and very young children. MenB vaccination is part of the baby and pre-school routine vaccination schedule and was introduced in 2015. Extensive reviews of the efficiency of the MenB vaccine by the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) show that vaccination reduces the disease in infants, however, it does not stop the spread of the bacteria among teenagers. 

This situation is being managed by UKHSA and local health services, who are responsible for identifying close contacts of confirmed cases, offering preventative antibiotics where indicated and providing targeted public health advice. Anyone who needs prophylactic treatment or further advice should be contacted directly by UKHSA or the University. Public Health Jersey will continue to monitor developments with UK health protection partners. 

Professor Peter Bradley, Director of Public Health said “While we are aware of the meningitis cases reported in Kent, the risk to Islanders remains very low. Jersey continues to have good vaccination rates among children and young people, which provides strong protection against a range of serious illnesses, including meningococcal disease. We strongly encourage teenagers and young adults to ensure they are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations, including the free MenACWY vaccine available locally up to the age of 25.

“It is important that young people remain vigilant to the symptoms of meningitis and seek urgent medical help if they have any concerns. Public Health Jersey will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in regular contact with our UK health protection colleagues.”

Advice for Jersey students in the area

Awareness of symptoms

Meningitis can initially resemble flu or a hangover. 

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

These symptoms can appear in any order, and patients do not always get all the symptoms.

If someone is concerned about possible meningitis symptoms, they should seek urgent medical advice from the emergency department.

Advice for Jersey students elsewhere