Buckinghamshire Council shares advice following meningitis outbreak in Kent
Buckinghamshire Council is issuing public health advice following reports of an outbreak of meningitis in Kent affecting university and A‑level students.
Cllr Isobel Darby, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“There is no indication that this outbreak affects young people in Buckinghamshire, but we recognise that young people and parents in our county may be understandably worried. Meningitis is rare, but it can cause serious illness, so it’s important to know the symptoms and seek urgent medical help if they appear.”
David Munday, Buckinghamshire Council’s Director of Public Health, added:
“Symptoms of meningitis can include:
- High fever
- Stiff neck and headache
- Vomiting
- Confusion or extreme sleepiness
- Seizures
- A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
“Early treatment is vital, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical help.
“Vaccination is the best protection against meningitis. Young people who missed the MenACWY vaccine at school can still request it from their GP practice team up to age 25. The MenB vaccine is routinely offered to infants under two.
“If you think you or your child may have missed a routine vaccine for meningitis or any other disease such as measles or whooping cough, please speak to your GP practice team about catch‑up doses.”
For more information about meningitis and routine vaccination schedules, visit:
Meningitis – NHS and NHS vaccinations and when to have them – NHS
What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself – UK Health Security Agency