24 March 2026: Current update Meningococcal B outbreak in England
There has recently been an outbreak of meningococcal B among young people in Canterbury (Kent, United Kingdom). Due to new laboratory results, the number of confirmed cases with meningococcal B has been adjusted. The bacterium has been confirmed in 20 people, and there are 3 additional suspected cases. This is because further investigation showed a different diagnosis in some previously reported patients.
The health authorities in Kent are taking various measures to prevent further spread. Vaccination is being offered to the following groups:
- Contacts of confirmed cases
- Students of the University of Kent who live on campus, including staff who live or work there
- Students from other universities in Canterbury who live in student housing where a confirmed case has been detected
- Students in the senior years of secondary schools in Kent, where a student with the disease has been found (other secondary students are not eligible)
- Anyone who visited the nightclub Club Chemistry between 5 and 15 March 2026
The risk to the general population in the United Kingdom is considered low, as meningococcal B is mainly transmitted through prolonged and close contact, such as living in the same household, kissing, or sharing vapes. Meningococcal B is less contagious than, for example, measles or COVID-19.
Vaccination is currently not being offered to all pupils and students in the United Kingdom, only to the risk groups mentioned above. Travellers to the United Kingdom do not require any vaccinations or additional measures. The same applies to students visiting the area—no extra measures are needed, just as for most English students.
More information
- Cases of invasive meningococcal disease notified in Kent - GOV.UK
- Who is eligible for the MenB vaccine and do I need it myself? – UK Health Security Agency
- Invasive Meningococcal Disease outbreak 2026: technical briefing 1 - GOV.UK
18 March 2026: Meningococcal B outbreak in UK
In Canterbury (Kent, United Kingdom), there is an outbreak of meningococcal B among students. Twenty people have become ill and two people have died.
In Kent, health services are distributing antibiotics to visitors of the club where the bacteria likely spread. The health authorities have also started a targeted vaccination campaign for students of the University of Kent who live on campus.
The disease spreads through droplets in the air, mainly in case of close contact. In addition, the bacteria can be transmitted through shared vapes or kissing. People other than students and young people who visited the club in the Kent region have only a very small chance of becoming ill. At this time, there are no additional measures required if you are visiting the United Kingdom.
More information