20th March 2026  

We know that the meningitis outbreak in Kent is worrying for a lot of people, and our thoughts are with the individuals involved, their families and the broader community. 

It’s important to remember that while most deaths from meningitis are due to sepsis (previously known as septicemia), meningitis causes approximately 1% of sepsis cases. Symptoms of sepsis can often be confused for other things, from freshers’ flu to a hangover, and in light of recent events, it’s vital for everyone – especially university students – to take five minutes to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of both sepsis and meningitis.  

The UK Health Security Agency has recently announced that the Meningitis B vaccine will now be offered to everyone who has been offered the preventative antibiotic treatment as part of the outbreak. A press release shared on gov.uk says: ‘The key intervention to protect people and halt the spread remains for people to come forward for antibiotic treatment. A single course of antibiotics is highly effective in preventing the contraction and spread of this disease in 90% of cases.’ You can read the full press release here. 

The UK Sepsis Trust’s Founder and CMO Dr Ron Daniels BEM says: “This outbreak is a reminder of how quickly these infections can escalate, and my deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected by the recent cases in Kent. 

“We urge everyone to trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help if you suspect something is wrong.” 

If you or a loved one is concerned, don’t dismiss your symptoms. Contact a health professional or use our Sepsis Assessment Tool, available on our website. 

More information about meningitis, including the signs to look out for, can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/