Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), other public health colleagues across the UK and NHS Boards in Scotland, to monitor the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.
There are currently no cases known to be linked to this outbreak in Scotland and therefore no evidence of any increased risk here.
Dr Jim McMenamin, Head of Health Protection Infection Services at PHS is encouraging everyone to be aware of signs and symptoms of meningitis: “Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia can be very serious and life threatening if not treated quickly.
“Signs and symptoms include a sudden high temperature, severe and worsening headache, a stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, confusion, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, a dislike of bright lights, and seizures (fits). These symptoms can appear in any order, but some may not appear.
“If you or anyone you know develops symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Phone 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department. Phone 111 or your GP practice for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.”
Vaccination against meningitis
The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) continues to review evidence on the most effective use of meningococcal vaccines within the UK routine schedule.
There are currently no plans to offer MenB vaccination outside the existing routine childhood schedule, other than for those identified by the Incident Response Team in Kent.
Two different types of meningococcal vaccines are available in Scotland and are part of routine immunisation programmes for children and young people.
The Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine was introduced in 2015 and is offered to infants and young children under 2 years old.
The Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is offered to all young people in S3 as part of the school-based immunisation programme. This vaccine protects against disease caused by meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
Anyone who has missed the MenACWY vaccine offer can still receive this up to their 25th birthday. Visit www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents to find out how to catch up.
Parents are encouraged to check if their children are up to date on their vaccinations. For information on how to check your own or your child’s vaccination history, please visit: www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations
More information on signs and symptoms of meningitis is available at
Meningitis Now, the UK’s leading meningitis charity, says it is concerned following the release of new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing a significant rise in cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) across England over the past 12 months.
According to the report, there were 396 confirmed cases of IMD during 2022/23, compared to 205 cases in 2021/22—an increase that includes 33 deaths.
The charity says the near doubling of cases of the disease in England in one year has brought the figures close to pre-pandemic levels.
In light of the rising cases, Meningitis Now is urging the public to stay informed about the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to ensure they and their loved ones are protected by up-to-date vaccinations. The charity says early recognition and treatment are crucial in saving lives and preventing long-term complications.
The report, which presents laboratory-confirmed data, reveals the majority of the cases are caused by the MenB strain, which remains the most prevalent form of meningococcal disease.
These figures reveal that the highest number of cases of IMD were found among 15–19-year-olds and 45–65-year-olds. The next highest age groups affected were the over 65s, 20–24-year-olds and 25–44-year-olds.
Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive at Meningitis Now said, “While the decrease in cases during the pandemic provided some respite, this recent surge is a clear reminder that meningitis remains a critical health threat.
“We want to stress the importance of vigilance and vaccination. We urge everyone, particularly those in unvaccinated age groups, to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and to act swiftly if they suspect meningitis.”
Figures collated by the charity from all available data show the number of cases across the UK has more than doubled in a year, with 497 cases of IMD in 2022/23, compared to 242 cases in the previous year.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with bacterial meningitis being the most severe form.
The disease can progress rapidly, leading to serious health complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or even death if not treated promptly.
Common symptoms include a high fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures. Infants and young children, teenagers, and older adults are particularly vulnerable to meningitis.
Founded in 1986, Meningitis Now is the first and leading meningitis charity in the UK, driven by the vision of a future where no one loses their life to meningitis and where everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives. The charity’s work includes:
– Support: Providing dedicated support to individuals and families affected by meningitis, including financial aid, counselling, and peer support networks.
– Awareness: Conducting nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of meningitis, ensuring that more people are informed and able to act quickly in the face of this disease.
– Research: Funding groundbreaking research to develop better vaccines, improve treatments, and ultimately find a cure for meningitis.
– Advocacy: Working closely with healthcare providers, government bodies, and communities to advocate for better meningitis prevention and treatment policies.
Dr Nutt added, “If someone is ill and getting worse, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical attention. Call 111 or your GP. In an emergency dial 999.”
For more information about meningitis or the work of Meningitis Now please visit our website at meningitisnow.org or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @meningitisnow.
The UK’s leading meningitis charity Meningitis Now is calling for students to recognise the disease as an emergency and ‘sound the alarm’ if they spot its signs and symptoms.
20-year-old University of Manchester student Sophia Speirs nearly died from meningitis in 2023, but says her life was saved thanks to her mum and her university flatmates who sounded the alarm by calling the emergency services who rushed her to hospital.
The student who is originally from Hertfordshire is joining forces with Meningitis Now to call for more people to recognise the disease as an emergency which needs swift action.
Sophia says, “I had just celebrated my 19th birthday and five days later I was fighting for my life in intensive care.
“I woke up feeling incredibly achy, which quickly turned into violent sickness. I was telling people I had a sick bug but I knew something was really wrong – I just didn’t want to believe it.”
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be fatal and can kill within 24 hours. Its early symptoms can be mistaken for the flu or even a hangover so it’s vital for students to know when to seek help and ‘sound the alarm’.
Sophia added, “I woke up the next morning feeling even worse. I heard my mum ringing me to check I was ok, but she quickly realised I was unable to speak properly. I was slurring my words. She got me to text my flat mates asking for help.”
“Two of my flatmates then came rushing into my room. My parents also called campus security who came straight away.”
Sophia spent three nights in intensive care in Manchester Royal Infirmary, another nine days in a high dependency unit and a final three days on a regular ward.
The 21-year-old had emergency surgery for a septic joint in her hip, and had myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), as well as permanently losing hearing in her right ear.
Sophia says, “I am grateful to be alive and although I feel unlucky, I know that compared to others I got off lightly! I am really keen to spread awareness. It’s so important that university students know what to do in a case of meningitis.”
Meningitis Now’s student awareness campaign urges parents, universities and students to know how to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis, to act fast if they suspect meningitis and seek urgent medical help.
Meningitis Now Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt says, “Meningitis is an emergency so we’re asking students to make sure they know when to sound the alarm.
If you or a friend are ill and getting worse, it could be meningitis. Sound the alarm by calling 111 or your GP – you could save a life.”
Universities are also being encouraged to order Meningitis Now’s free awareness materials, with the charity aiming to have materials in every UK university over the next five years. Parents can also request a free student meningitis awareness pack at www.meningitisnow.org/students
Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, dislike of bright lights, and a stiff neck. In cases of septicaemia (which can occur simultaneously), a rash that does not fade under pressure may also appear.
Dr Nutt added: “It’s really important that everyone is aware of the risk of meningitis because it can affect anyone at any age.
“Teenagers and young people are at an increased risk. This is because they are more likely to be carrying the bacteria that cause meningitis in the back of their nose and throats.”
“Vaccines are available to prevent some types of meningitis and most of these are available as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule. However, not all types of meningitis can be prevented by vaccines. Make sure you know the signs and symptoms and seek urgent medical help if you are concerned.”
For further information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis visit:
Support charity ribbon appeal and fight meningitis
Charity Meningitis Now has launched its 2022 Ribbon Appeal, which gives everyone an opportunity to remember loved ones this Christmas. We’d like to invite your readers to dedicate their own ribbon.
Each year the charity helps people to honour those they have lost with a ribbon inscribed with their family member or friend’s name. These are placed on our Tree of Remembrance at our Christmas Concert in Gloucester Cathedral. A permanent tribute is also made in our Book of Remembrance.
To dedicate a ribbon visit our website at www.MeningitisNow.org/ribbon before 25 November. Ribbons can be placed by anyone left bereaved, regardless of the circumstances or cause of their loss, and all donations received in exchange for a ribbon will help Meningitis Now save lives and rebuild futures, through research, awareness and support.
It’s only through the generosity of individuals that we’re able to offer our lifesaving and life-changing services, and your support really does make a difference
I hope your readers will be able to help us again this year as we continue the fight against meningitis and look to beat this devastating disease within a generation.
If anyone would like to know more about our fight against meningitis and our Ribbon Appeal, or get tickets for our Christmas Concert on Friday 2 December, please visit our website at www.MeningitisNow.org.
A sister’s quick thinking saved the life of a student who had fallen ill with meningitis, when she took her straight to A&E on their way home from university.
Ashleigh Denton was 18 and in her first year at the University of the West of England in Bristol when she became ill with a headache and flu-like symptoms on a night out. The following day her sister Sophie drove from Oxfordshire to collect her but, halfway home, went straight to Swindon A&E as Ashleigh’s condition suddenly worsened.
Doctors say her fast response that day saved Ashleigh’s life.
“If my sister had tried to take me to Oxford rather than Swindon – less than an hour down the road – doctors said I would have died,”Ashleigh said. “It would have been too late.”
Now Ashleigh, 29, is telling her story to raise awareness of meningitis and the importance of looking out for your friends and taking quick action if the disease is suspected, as she spearheads charity Meningitis Now’s ‘Look out for your mates’ student campaign, which launches today.
The campaign is timed to coincide with the announcement of A-level results as thousands of young people contemplate their future. Meningitis Now is concerned that the combination of new-found social freedoms, the desire of young people to mix in large groups and a move to campus-based accommodation for students, will present the ideal opportunity for infectious diseases to spread, putting young people at a higher risk of meningitis.
“If you’re at university and you or one of your friends is unwell or acting out of character and you’re not sure if it’s something small or serious, get things checked out,”Ashleigh added. “Don’t be afraid to go to hospital – meningitis can develop so quickly, from just having a headache to being at death’s door.”
“It is so important to have your symptoms checked as soon as possible if you are concerned.”
Ashleigh, from Bicester in Oxfordshire, initially thought she was getting a cold. “I started to get a headache, but I wasn’t worried, so I went out with my friends as planned.
“Within a couple of hours my behaviour had changed – I was agitated and emotional – and this is one of the biggest things I tell people. It’s not the physical symptoms that I remember the most, but my behaviour.”
Ashleigh left the club and two girls who were going to the same place as her shared a taxi home. “They noticed I was unwell and even offered for me to stay at theirs, but I declined as I just wanted my bed,” she said.
“The next day I woke up, still with a headache, and assumed I was just hungover. As the day went on I really didn’t feel right. I phoned my mum to tell her and that I was going to sleep for a bit, but I was crying and she knew something wasn’t right.
“She spoke to my sister, who phoned me and asked if I wanted her to pick me up and take me home. I initially said ‘no’ but eventually agreed and she came from Oxford to Bristol to get me.
“In the car home my symptoms got worse very quickly. My head was so sore, I couldn’t open my eyes, my neck stiffened, I was retching, and I just knew something was seriously wrong.
“Just at the right time my sister saw a sign for the hospital in Swindon and took me straight there.
“In A&E I remember struggling to breathe, so I just stopped as it felt like the easier option. My sister shook me and I came to and started breathing again, but it wasn’t long before I stopped. My sister pressed the panic button and within seconds a team rushed in and carried me to resus.
“I am told I became aggressive, so I was sedated and admitted to ITU.
“During this time I was given a CT scan and a lumbar puncture, which confirmed I had Group B meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.
“I had developed a rash but not until I got to hospital. What most people don’t realise is that the rash is not an early symptom and if you have one, you are in the advanced stages of meningitis.”
Ashleigh’s family was told there was a one in three chance that she would wake up blind, deaf or brain damaged.
“But fortunately I woke up two days after arriving at hospital and the first thing I said was ‘I want my breakfast’.Somehow, before I was even told, I knew I had meningitis.
“I was in hospital for a week and unable to walk or get out of bed by myself for the first few days. What I didn’t realise at the time was that my brain was muddled as a result of the infection and would be for a few months. I just had no awareness of this until a family member asked my mum if I was making any sense a few weeks after I’d got home.”
Fortunately, despite not being her usual self for three months and struggling with fatigue, Ashleigh went on to make a good recovery, even returning to university for her exams in August, five months after she first became ill.
“I am forever thankful for my family, and the doctors and nurses at Great Western Hospital in Swindon, for saving my life.”
Ryan Bresnahan wasn’t so lucky, His mum, Michelle, who set up the Bristol-based charity, a Life for a Cure, following Ryan’s death from meningitis in 2010, has been campaigning tirelessly to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease and funds for research.
Ryan was a fit and healthy 16-year-old when he was tragically struck down by Meningitis B within an hour of first feeling ill.
Michelle said: “I know only too well how devastating this disease can be and have seen the worst it can do, destroying young lives and tearing apart those who remain.
“No-one should be left counting the cost of making the wrong assumption – meningitis can affect anyone at any time but we need to highlight that teenagers and young people are the second most at risk group of contracting the disease, after babies and toddlers.”
Meningitis Now chief executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said:“Research has shown that up to a quarter of 15 to 24-year-olds carry the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in the back of their throats compared to one in 10 of the general population.
“Whilst many young people will have been vaccinated against MenACWY, which protects against four strains of meningococcal meningitis, at school, we estimate that up to half a million under-25s may have missed this important vaccination. If that’s you – contact your GP and see if you can get up to date with your vaccinations.
“And very few young people will have been vaccinated against MenB, which is the strain Ashleigh and Ryan had and that causes the most cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.
“Common complaints such as a hangover and Freshers’ Flu are often given as reasons for a person not feeling too well – but we are asking young people not to simply assume this is the case. A headache and fever are also common signs of meningitis, which is why it is so important that young people should learn the signs and symptoms of the disease, look out for themselves and their mates and seek medical help straight away if they feel unwell.”
The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be similar to ‘flu, tummy bug or a hangover and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet.
More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.
Meningitis Now has free information for parents and students, including leaflets, signs and symptoms cards and fridge magnets – all of which contain lifesaving information.
CHARITY MENINGITIS NOW are urging university students across the UK to take a few minutes to learn the signs and symptoms of the disease – as cases rise to pre-Covid pandemic levels.
Every university in the UK could experience at least one case of meningitis amongst its students this term, the charity is warning.
If students fall ill, the temptation might be for them to think they have Covid-19 or a hangover, but it could be something else, including meningitis.
Meningitis is a medical emergency, so it’s vital to recognise the signs and symptoms, act fast and seek medical assistance.
Charity chief executive Dr Tom Nutt said: “We know there are cases happening across the country – we heard of another one at a UK university just last week – and every case is one case too many.
“So today, we’re asking university students to keep meningitis in mind, learn the signs and symptoms and to look out for themselves and their friends.
“The early signs and symptoms of meningitis can be similar to flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.
“More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.
“The rash can be a late sign though and may not appear, so our advice is not to wait for a rash.”
If meningitis is suspected seek urgent medical help by contacting your GP or calling 111.
During the pandemic, lockdowns used to curb the spread of Covid-19 also led to a decline in other infectious diseases. Meningitis rates were at a historic low until September last year.
Since then, however, there has been an increase in MenB cases among adolescents and young adults in England, ‘particularly in university students’.
Of the Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) cases confirmed among the 15 to 19 and 20 to 24-year-old age groups in September to November 2021, 84.6% (22/26) were students registered at a further or higher education institution.
Dr Nutt added: “We always feared there might be a rebound against the historically low figures for meningococcal infection we have been seeing during the pandemic, whilst hoping there would not be.
“We are already working hard to spread awareness messages within universities.
“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against meningitis. But, with teenagers and young people being far more likely to carry the bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease and as most students will not have been vaccinated against MenB, it is vital they remain extra vigilant, know what to look for and seek urgent medical advice if they or one of their friends becomes ill.”
Meningitis Now has free information for parents and young people and lifesaving Signs and Symptoms cards. Find out more at www.MeningitisNow.org
Anyone affected or with any questions and concerns can contact the Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org.
CHARITY MENINGITIS NOW are urging young people off to university or the world of work this Autumn not to assume it’s COVID-19 if they feel ill – it might be meningitis.
As A-level results are announced and thousands of young people contemplate their future, the charity is concerned that the combination of new-found social freedoms, the desire of young people to mix in large groups and a move to campus-based accommodation for students, present the ideal opportunity for infectious diseases to spread, putting young people at a higher risk of meningitis.
It’s calling on young people to carefully consider their actions if they or any of their friends fall ill. In particular, Government advice to self-isolate if COVID-19 is suspected could have the worst possible consequences if the illness is not COVID-19 but meningitis or septicaemia.
One person who knows, only too well, the consequences of making the wrong assumption, is 26-year-old Londoner Nick Gilbert, who is spearheading Meningitis Now’s awareness campaign.
In 2018, Nick felt under the weather, but assumed he didn’t have anything serious. After resting overnight, he went about his business the next day and even went on a date.
But just 24 hours after first feeling ill, Nick collapsed, vomiting in a busy central London street. His symptoms were mistakenly assumed to be drunkenness by the many people who saw him.
Fortunately for Nick, a young woman passer-by helped him to hospital, where his meningitis was diagnosed. Nick went on to make a good recovery.
“I dread to think how the outcome could have been different if I’d just gone home and shut myself away from everybody,”Nick said. “It’s vital that anybody who feels ill does not automatically assume it’s COVID-19.
“Learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Let someone know if you are feeling unwell. If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, trust your instincts and get urgent medical advice. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency dial 999.”
Ryan Bresnahan wasn’t so lucky. His mum, Michelle, who set up the Bristol-based charity, a Life for a Cure, following Ryan’s death from meningitis in 2010, has been campaigning tirelessly to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease and funds for research.
Ryan was a fit and healthy 16-year-old when he was tragically struck down by Meningitis B within an hour of first feeling ill.
Michelle said: “I know only too well how devastating this disease can be and have seen the worst it can do, destroying young lives and tearing apart those who remain.
“No-one should be left counting the cost of making the wrong assumption – meningitis can affect anyone at any time but we need to highlight that teenagers and young people are the second most at risk group of contracting the disease, after babies and toddlers.”
Meningitis Now chief executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said: “Research has shown that up to a quarter of 15 to 24-year-olds carry the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in the back of their throats compared to one in 10 of the general population.
“Whilst many young people will have been vaccinated against MenACWY, which protects against four strains of meningococcal meningitis, at school, we estimate that up to half a million under-25s may have missed this important vaccination. If that’s you – contact your GP and see if you can get up to date with your vaccinations.
“And very few young people will have been vaccinated against MenB, which is the strain that causes the most cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.
“Common complaints such as a hangover and Freshers’ Flu are often given as reasons for a person not feeling too well – but we are asking young people not to simply assume this is the case. A headache and fever are also common signs of meningitis, which is why it is so important that if young people feel unwell, they should not jump to what seems the obvious conclusion – COVID-19 or just a hangover!”
The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be similar to ‘flu, tummy bug or a hangover and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet.
More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.
Meningitis Now has a free information pack for parents and students, including leaflets, signs and symptoms cards and fridge magnets – all of which contain lifesaving information.
