Guidance

Supporting information for the outbreak investigation of group B meningicoccoal disease survey

Updated 27 March 2026

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningococcal-b-outbreak-investigation-survey/supporting-information-for-the-outbreak-investigation-of-group-b-meningicoccoal-disease-survey

Before you decide whether or not to take part, it is important to understand why the survey has been shared and what it will involve for you.

Read the following information carefully.

Why we are doing this survey

The UKHSA is investigating an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent. Invasive meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is a rare but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Meningitis is a dangerous swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord and septicaemia is when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning. Both of these conditions can rapidly trigger sepsis. The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and rapid treatment with antibiotics are vital.

In this outbreak investigation, we want to invite first year students from the University of Kent and Canterbury and Canterbury and Christ Church University, to complete an anonymous survey to enable UKHSA to explore possible exposures and behaviours associated with the outbreak of meningococcal disease.

Participation

Why we are asking you to take part

You have been asked because you are a first year student at either the University of Kent and Canterbury or Canterbury and Christ Church University.

You may have been invited to take part because you have bought an online ticket or are on the mailing list of Club Chemistry, one place that several cases visited in the days before they became unwell.

Taking part is optional

Participation is completely voluntary; it is up to you whether or not you want to complete the survey. You may choose not to complete the survey without consequence. If you do decide to take part you are also free to stop at any time, without giving a reason.

No personal identifiable information or any information that directly identifies you or the device you are using (phone, computer or tablet) will be collected for the purposes of this study.

As data collected will be entirely anonymous, it will not be possible to identify you to withdraw your record from the survey. You can stop the survey at any time, data that has been collected to that point will be retained.

How to fill out the survey

You have been sent a link to the survey. If you are happy to take part, you can use the link to complete a survey which will cover questions related to where you might have been, exposures, activities and social interactions. Some questions will be personal.

The questionnaire should take no more than 10 to 12 minutes to complete.

No personal identifiable information or any information that directly identifies you or the device you are using (phone, computer or tablet) will be collected for the purposes of this study.

The data we will collect

No personal identifiable information will be collected; however, personal information will be asked on your sexual orientation and activities.

Other data points will cover:

  • demographics – age and sex
  • social interactions
  • drug and alcohol use
  • smoking, vaping or snus
  • activities and behaviours
  • general health

How taking part helps us to understand meningococcal outbreaks

Taking part in the questionnaire will not benefit you directly; however, the information you provide will help to better understand the possible behaviours and exposures associated with this outbreak of meningococcal disease.

There are no direct disadvantages to completing the questionnaire, but participating will take up a small amount of time.

If you change your mind and don’t want to carry on with the survey

You are free to stop at any time without giving a reason.

As data collected will be anonymous it would not be possible to identify you to withdraw your record once the questionnaire has been submitted.

You can stop the survey at any time, data that has been collected to that point will be retained.

Information you provide will be kept confidential

Yes. UKHSA will keep all the information securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

UKHSA Research and Public Health Ethics Governance Group (REGG) approval has been granted for this study (See Approval of the study).

No personal identifiable information or any information that directly identifies the device the individuals is using (phone, computer or tablet) will be collected for the purposes of this study.

For more information regarding UKHSA, what data UKHSA collects, how UKHSA uses data and how data may be shared please see the UKHSA privacy notice.

How we will use the questionnaires

Once the survey is complete, we will analyse the survey data we have collected and report the findings. The results of this analysis will inform public health control and management and may be shared with expert and technical advisory groups.

You can ask for a copy of any reports by contacting menb_survey_2026@ukhsa.gov.uk

Data collected will be retained for 5 years and will be reviewed annually. After 5 years the data will be destroyed in line with UKHSA policy.

About the UK Health Security Agency

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for protecting every member of every community from the impact of infectious diseases and other health threats. We aim to collect data that can be used to improve the health of the whole population.

Approval of the study

This study has been reviewed by the Research Ethics and Governance Group (REGG) who has provided approval for this study to be conducted.

Concerns and questions

For concerns or questions relating to the survey, contact us using the following email: menb_survey_2026@ukhsa.gov.uk and we will do our best to answer your query. We will acknowledge your concern within 10 working days and give a response as to how it will be dealt with. If you remain unhappy or would like to make a formal complaint, please contact: UKHSA complaints team, email complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk

See further information on the complaint’s procedure.

For concerns regarding infection use the UKHSA Helpline:

Call 0344 225 3861, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, if you have no symptoms but are concerned, you have been in contact with a confirmed case, or you have a general enquiry.

Further information and support

Meningitis support services

The Meningitis Research Foundation
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
UK: 080 8800 3344
Republic of Ireland: 1800 41 33 44

Meningitis Now
0808 80 10 388 (9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm Friday)

Meningococcal disease and the MenACWY and MenB vaccinations

For more information on meningococcal disease and the meningococcal A, C, W and Y (MenACWY) and meningococcal b (MenB) vaccinations:

Report side effects to ciprofloxacin

Report any suspected side effects to ciprofloxacin through the Yellow Card Scheme:

  • online at Yellow Card Scheme
  • downloading and using the Yellow Card app:
  • Apple
  • Android
  • calling the Yellow Card scheme on 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)

University support services

If you have any concerns, please contact university student support and wellbeing.

University of Kent:

Canterbury Christ Church University

Other support services

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