Meningococcal disease is a serious but uncommon illness caused by meningococcal bacteria. It can lead to meningitis - inflammation of the lining of the brain - and sepsis. The onset can be sudden, which is why knowing the signs and symptoms, and acting quickly, is so important. There are multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria - MenA, MenB, MenC, MenW, MenX, MenY. 

What cases did we identify in the March 2026 outbreak in Kent?

The outbreak in Kent was linked to a strain of MenB. The case numbers can be found here. Sadly, 2 people died.

How is meningitis spread?

Transmission of MenB requires close and prolonged contact to spread including living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19.

How do the bacteria enter the body?

The meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis and blood poisoning can live harmlessly in the back of the nose or throat. When this happens, the person is called a ‘carrier’: they have the bacteria in their body but feel completely well.

Carrying the bacteria is more common among young people, particularly teenagers and university students. This is because they tend to spend a lot of time in close contact with new people (in halls of residence, for example) which makes it easier for bacteria to pass from person to person.

In most cases, carrying the bacteria causes no harm at all. Very occasionally, though, the bacteria can get past the body's natural defences in the nose and throat, enter the bloodstream, and cause serious illness such as meningitis or blood poisoning. This is most likely to happen soon after someone first picks up the bacteria.

Read our technical briefing on meningococcal bacteria.

Infectious Diseases and Conditions A-Z