Data Report

A meningococcal disease outbreak is spreading in the UK. Here's what to know
ABC News
Thu, March 19, 2026

"A meningococcal disease outbreak is continuing to spread in southeastern England, according to local health officials.

So far, at least 27 confirmed or probable cases have been reported, including cases among students at universities, and at least two people have died, according to the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned on Thursday that the number of cases could "increase further in the coming days" due to the disease's incubation period, or the period of time between exposure and the start of symptoms.

The bacteria is spread by coming into contact with an infected person's saliva or spit, such as through coughing, kissing, sharing items or sneezing near someone's face. Sometimes the bacteria also spreads through prolonged general contact with an infected person, the CDC says..."

LINK:

“Distinct” meningitis B genome is one of three factors driving Kent outbreak, experts say

The meningitis B outbreak in Kent was probably driven by the strain of bacteria having a “clearly distinct” genome, a preliminary investigation has concluded.

Officials say that the altered strain, alongside immunity levels in the population as well as social and environmental factors linked to the nightclub at the centre of the outbreak, were a trio of factors that likely led to the wave of cases, although there was only “low confidence” in this.

LINK:
https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj.s570.short?rss=1