Meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury area

Number of cases

15 cases have been confirmed.

Targeted vaccination programme

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced a small, targeted vaccination programme will begin, starting with students resident at Canterbury campus halls of residence at the University of Kent in the coming days.

The vaccination programme may be expanded further as UKHSA continues to assess any ongoing risk to other populations. For now, the priority remains for those offered antibiotics to come forward as this is highly effective at preventing the disease and transmission.

Extra help now available

More emergency antibiotics are available for people who attended a Canterbury venue earlier this month. Antibiotic tablets are offered to people who do not have symptoms, as a precautionary measure.

People who visited Club Chemistry on March 5, 6 and 7 are eligible for free medication at four temporary clinics.

People who live on the University of Kent campus at Canterbury are also eligible. 

No booking is needed and you do not need to bring ID, but bring your NHS number, if you have it. A bottle of water is recommended.

Please note - you cannot pick up medication on the behalf of others.

16,000 students in the Canterbury area have already been contacted by the UK Health Security Agency and where needed have been offered antibiotics on the University of Kent campus.

Antibiotic clinic details

  • Senate Building, University of Kent, CT2 7NZ -    Open daily from 9am to 8pm.
  • Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG -  Open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
  • Thanet Community Health Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA -  Open daily from 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm).
  • Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT -  Open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm.

Who is eligible for precautionary antibiotics?

  • all students and staff living on campus at University of Kent
  • close household contacts of cases who have been identified by UKHSA or who self-identify as having contact with a confirmed case
  • Club Chemistry staff
  • Club Chemistry attendees 5-7 March. 

What are the symptoms to look out for?

  • symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include:
  • a rash that does not 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 or delirium
  • extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking.

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia,  seek medical help urgently  by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999. 

Emergency departments do not provide antibiotics for people who do not have symptoms - you will need to visit an antibiotic clinic (listed above).

Updated: 17 March, 10am.

Advice for patients

We recognise the tragic circumstances of the current meningitis outbreak in Canterbury. 

We are working with the UKHSA and local trusts to ensure hospital staff and GPs are aware and to be vigilant for possible cases in any patients.

To keep yourself and others safe please read the frequently asked questions below.

If you are feeling unwell and unsure or worried please call NHS 111 for advice.

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.

Find out the latest on  the UKHSA website. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What has happened?

Between 13 and 15 March 2026, the UKHSA was made aware of thirteen cases of invasive meningococcal disease.

Sadly, two people are known to have died.

UKHSA and the University of Kent are working together to respond to the outbreak and support those affected.

What action has been taken so far in Kent to reassure students?

UKHSA has worked with the University of Kent to provide advice letters to all 16,000 students, advising on recent cases, signs and symptoms, how to obtain antibiotics, and what to do if they feel unwell.

Antibiotics are being made available to students and distributed at a dedicated site on campus.

UKHSA staff continue to contact trace family and friends of known cases to identify anyone else who may be at risk, and to establish a clearer picture of the events leading to this cluster of cases.

UKHSA has worked with the local NHS Trust and ICB to ensure hospital staff and GPs are aware and to be vigilant for possible cases in any patients.

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria, which can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

The onset of illness is often sudden, and early diagnosis and treatment are vital.

Which strain is responsible for the outbreak?

The specific strain has not yet been identified.

Investigations are ongoing and we will share further information as it becomes available.

What action is being taken in the community?

UKHSA specialists are interviewing affected individuals and their families to identify close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit further spread.

Close contacts of cases have already been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

Advice and support is being offered to the wider university community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111.

What are the symptoms to look out for?

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include:

  • a rash that does not 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 or delirium
  • extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking.

What should I do if I am concerned about myself or someone else?

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999. If a friend goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly. Early treatment can be lifesaving. You can also contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you are concerned.

Am I at risk if I have been vaccinated?

The MenACWY vaccine offers good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10.

However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as MenB, can circulate among young adults. This is why it is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms regardless of vaccination status.

Where can I find further information and support?