Warning meningitis B cases could rise further due to ‘explosive’ outbreak

Health & Fitness
18 Mar 2026 • 8:03 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • An "explosive" meningitis outbreak in Kent has resulted in two deaths, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting warning that cases are likely to continue rising.
  • The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently investigating 20 cases of the disease, an increase from 15, and has initiated a national response to the crisis.
  • The outbreak has affected five schools in Kent, and one patient who travelled to London is now receiving hospital treatment there.
  • Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the pace and spread of the disease as "unprecedented" but stated he would not have a "knee-jerk reaction" to rolling out jabs more widely.
  • A targeted vaccination programme has been launched for students at the University of Kent in Canterbury, and 700 doses of antibiotics have been administered.

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