The number of reported cases in the meningococcal meningitis outbreak that has killed two people in southeast England has risen from 20 to 27, including 15 confirmed cases and 12 still under investigation, health officials announced Thursday. Here's what we know about this outbreak, which the British government has described as "unprecedented."
These are mostly cases of meningococcus B
Of the 15 confirmed cases, nine are cases of meningococcal B, according to the UK's health security agency, UKHSA, which specifies that all but one of the cases required hospitalization. No further details on the health of those affected have been provided. These cases are likely to increase, according to Dr. Robin May, chief scientist at the health agency, interviewed on BBC radio on Thursday. He specified that all "relate in one way or another to the same period, that in which the initial exhibition took place".
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The outbreak has claimed two lives: an 18-year-old high school senior and a 21-year-old student at the University of Kent (southeast England). Meningococcal infections, caused by bacteria, can be fatal in less than 24 hours without prompt treatment. They can also leave lasting effects of varying severity. High fever, severe headaches, vomiting, stiff neck, photosensitivity, and red or purplish spots (purpura) are the main symptoms.
The source of the contamination is suspected to be a nightclub.
According to Health Minister Wes Streeting, the majority of cases are linked to the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury (southeast England), which is frequented by students. "Between March 5th and 7th." The establishment has since voluntarily closed its doors. This situation has all the characteristics of" an event super-contaminator, with continued spread within university residences », according to UKHSA director Susan Hopkins.
At this stage, cases have been confirmed at two universities and four schools in Kent, as well as at a higher education institution in London. This last case involves a person who is believed to have travelled to Kent during the weekend of the outbreak. Interviewed on BBC radio on Thursday, Anjan Ghosh, director of public health for Kent's local authorities, said he was not "not able to confirm"at this stage, that the epidemic was "content".
Authorities believe this is an "unprecedented" epidemic.
This epidemic has been described as "unprecedented" And "explosive" by health authorities, due to the number of cases and the rapid spread. Transmission occurs from person to person through close and prolonged contact, for example, by kissing, drinking from the same glass, or sharing an e-cigarette. However, this disease is not as contagious as Covid-19 or measles, the health security agency emphasizes, specifying that the risk of infection for the rest of the population "remains weak".
According to the UKHSA, 378 cases of invasive meningococcal infections were confirmed in 2024-25, of which more than 801 TP3T involved meningococcus B. Over the last two decades, the number of these meningococcal infections has decreased: in 1999/2000, a peak of 2,595 cases was reached.
Preventive treatments with antibiotics
The UKHSA (Health and Safety Agency) was notified on March 13, 2026, of the first case in this outbreak. Authorities began contact tracing and providing antibiotics to students at the University of Kent, those who had attended the Chemistry Club between March 5 and 7, and close contacts of those infected or suspected of being infected.
These preventative antibiotic treatments stop the spread of infection between individuals. More than 6,500 people have been treated, the University of Kent announced on Wednesday. A targeted vaccination program against meningococcus B has also been launched on the university's Canterbury campus. It involves approximately 5,000 students.
In the United Kingdom, infants have been vaccinated against meningococcus B since 2015, but those born before that date are not covered. A case linked to this outbreak has been reported in France. It involves a person who attended the University of Kent, who was hospitalized in France and is currently... "in a stable state", according to the French Ministry of Health.
In Cherbourg, a death unrelated to the British epidemic
"Ici Cotentin" reports that an employee at the Orano site in La Hague passed away on March 19, 2026 at the hospital in Cherbourg, a victim of meningitis. "No link has been made with the British cluster.", according to Radio France media.
The rush for vaccines
This epidemic has prompted some people to want to obtain vaccines. This is not "Not necessary""The Minister of Health stated this. He acknowledged that some pharmacies had run out of vaccines, but assured that stocks were sufficient to ensure the vaccination of children and young people targeted by the vaccination campaign in the Canterbury region."
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