Research and analysis

Notified cases of invasive meningococcal disease

Published 17 March 2026

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/invasive-meningococcal-disease-statistical-releases/notified-cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease

Overview

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been investigating an invasive meningococcal disease outbreak first detected in March 2026.

This release provides an up-to-date count of notified cases suspected to be connected to the incident and will be updated regularly until the incident is closed.

Notified cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent

As of 5pm on 16 March 2026, UKHSA has been notified of 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease with epidemiological links to Canterbury, Kent.

All cases have been hospitalised.

4 of these cases have laboratory confirmation of meningococcal B infections.

There have been 2 deaths.

Methods and definitions

Laboratory confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease are defined as:

A clinical diagnosis of meningitis, septicemia or other invasive disease (such as, orbital cellulitis, septic arthritis) AND at least one of:

  • Neisseria meningitidis isolated from a normally sterile site
  • Gram-negative diplococci identified in a normally sterile site
  • Meningococcal DNA in a normally sterile site
  • Meningococcal antigen in blood, CSF or urine

Further information on the data sources and methodology used in invasive meningococcal disease surveillance can be found in at Meningococcal disease: guidance, data and analysis - GOV.UK

Data quality assurance

Data quality was assured via a manual checking process. Case counts attached to the incident are provisional and subject to change (upwards or downwards) as intelligence about their connection to the incident improves.

Further information and advice

Someone with invasive meningococcal meningitis or septicaemia may begin with flu-like symptoms, but is likely to rapidly become very ill. Some common symptoms are listed below, but symptoms can occur in different orders, and not all of these will occur.

In children and adults, symptoms can include:

  • sudden onset of a high fever
  • a severe headache
  • dislike of bright lights (photophobia)
  • vomiting and/or severe diarrhoea or stomach pains
  • painful joints
  • pale and blotchy skin
  • very cold hands and feet
  • fitting
  • drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma
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