Meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent, UK

The HSE’s national Public Health team continues to be in regular contact with the UK Health Security Agency, as they continue to investigate a serious meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent. As of 5pm on 18 March, 15 laboratory cases are confirmed and 12 notifications remain under investigation, bringing the total to 27 to date and sadly two young people have died.  All confirmed cases linked to the outbreak so far are young adults. Six of the confirmed cases are confirmed to be group B meningococcal disease. The UK Health Security Agency has advised that the situation is evolving and further cases are possible.

Meningococcal disease in Ireland

Dr John Cuddihy, HSE National Director for Public Health, said:

“There is no evidence of an increase in invasive meningococcal disease activity in Ireland beyond expected seasonal and background levels. There is also currently no indication of links between any cases in Ireland and the outbreak reported in Kent.  In 2026 to date, there have been 12 cases of meningococcal disease reported in Ireland with no deaths reported. Of the 12 cases, 9 cases were Serogroup B. Last year there were 60 meningococcal cases reported in Ireland, of which 38 were Serogroup B cases. In 2024, 66 cases were reported with 42 of those cases reported as Serogroup B. Routine surveillance in Ireland continues to show that meningococcal disease remains a rare but serious infection, with sporadic cases occurring each year.”

The meningococcal bacteria has several different serotypes. There are vaccines available against types A, B, C, W and Y. Meningococcal disease can cause serious diseases including meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Dr Cuddihy added:

“Meningococcal disease can affect people of any age, but it is most common in babies, young children, and to a lesser extent teenagers and young adults. In countries with climates like Ireland, cases tend to rise during the winter and early spring months. Individuals with meningococcal disease can deteriorate rapidly. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, rapid breathing, cold hands and feet, drowsiness, or a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure. Do not wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately. Call 112 or 999 for an ambulance immediately or go to your nearest emergency department (ED) or ED for children if you think that you or your child is seriously ill.”

Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the HSE’s National Immunisation Office, said:

“The MenB vaccine has been part of the free national childhood immunisation schedule for babies born from 1 October 2016 onwards. It is given over three doses at 2, 4 and 12 months. Meningococcal type B disease is most common in babies under the age of 1 year old and the scheduling of the administration of the vaccine under the immunisation programme takes account of this. There is currently no catch-up Men B vaccine programme for older children. Men C vaccine is also offered to babies as part of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme.

“The MenACWY vaccine is offered in the first year of secondary school and protects against other meningococcal strains (A, C, W and Y). The HSE school immunisation teams are currently giving this vaccine in schools across the country. Parents are advised to look out for the consent form in their children’s school bag and make sure it is returned so that their children can be protected.”