Meningitis
Meningitis is uncommon, but it is important to be aware of the symptoms and be prepared to take action promptly whenever it is suspected, as it can progress rapidly. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
Symptoms
Symptoms of meningitis and septacaemia (sepsis) include:
- a high temperature
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- confusion
- breathing quickly
- muscle and joint pain
- pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- fits (seizures)
Babies may also:
- refuse feeds
- be irritable
- have a high-pitched cry
- have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive
- have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head
Visit the NHS Meningitis webpage for further information.
The UK Health Security Agency advises that it is useful to know the symptoms as early signs can sometimes look similar to more common illnesses such as a cold, flu or even a hangover.
Check on your friends regularly if they go to bed feeling unwell, and do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you are concerned. You can contact your GP or use the NHS 111 service for medical advice.
If you experience severe symptoms or believe someone may have meningitis, seek urgent medical help immediately by dialling 999.
Meningitis Vaccination
The NHS and University Health Service recommend that all students ensure they are up to date with their Meningitis ACWY. You may be able to confirm your vaccination status via the NHS App, or your parents/guardians may hold a record if these vaccines were administered during your school years.
If you are unable to verify your records, please contact your registered GP Practice to find out if you are eligible. If you are registered with the University Health Service please submit an AccuRx request.
Visit our Vaccines for students webpage for information about all recommended vaccines.
Kent Meningitis Outbreak
Make yourself aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septacaemia (sepsis), and seek medical advice if you are concerned.
What is the risk to the wider public?
All of the cases identified to date are connected with Kent and there is no evidence currently that this outbreak has spread further.
The risk of infection to the wider population remains low. This is because transmission of MenB requires close and prolonged contact to spread. Examples of this include living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19.
Individual meningitis cases are not uncommon, but an outbreak of this size is unusual and this is why additional measures are being taken to prevent the spread.
We are actively looking for contacts of people who have MenB (contact tracing) and offering preventative antibiotics to those in close contact with cases.
What can people do to protect themselves if they are not in the locality affected by the outbreak?
The most important thing people can do is know the symptoms and act quickly if they appear.
It’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and sepsis.
People should seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops symptoms.
Early detection and treatment can save lives.
Do students who have returned from an affected university need to isolate?
No. Students returning home from an affected university do not need to isolate unless they have been directly advised otherwise by their setting or local health protection team.
Further information and support on meningitis:
9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
UK: 080 8800 3344
Republic of Ireland: 1800 41 33 44
9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday; and 9am to 1pm Friday
UK: 0808 80 10 388
