Recent cases of meningitis reported – here’s what you can do to protect yourself

Message from Dr Clare Dickens, Director of Student Life and University Designated Safeguarding Lead

I am writing to acknowledge that staff and students may be concerned following the UK Health Security Agency’s recent press release regarding confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent. While this situation relates to another region, it is understandable that the news may prompt questions locally.

I wanted to take the opportunity to raise awareness of the key signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and to encourage you to seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you know becomes unwell.

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis.

The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.

Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:

• a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
• sudden onset of high fever
• severe and worsening headache
• stiff neck
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• joint and muscle pain
• dislike of bright lights
• very cold hands and feet
• seizures
• confusion/delirium
• extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

Symptom recognition remains the most important priority and seeking medical support as soon as possible.

If someone becomes seriously ill within hours, seek medical help immediately.

Find more information on meningitis symptoms here

Why students are at higher risk

Meningitis bacteria spread through close contact such as coughing, sneezing, kissing, and living in crowded accommodation. Students, especially those living in halls or mixing socially, are more likely to be exposed.

When to seek medical help

Call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or someone in your care could have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis.

Call NHS 111 if you're unsure whether it's serious. Do not wait for all symptoms to appear – the illness can become serious very quickly.

Protect yourself: Get the MenACWY vaccine

The MenACWY vaccine protects against four dangerous strains of meningococcal disease.

• It is normally offered in School Year 9 (age 13–14).
• Anyone under 25 who missed it can still get a free catch‑up vaccine through their GP.
• This is strongly recommended for university and higher‑education students, due to increased risk from close mixing.

All GP practices should be able to offer free missed MenACWY to students who are under 25 years as well as MMR vaccines to eligible students. International students in the same age group are also eligible for these routine vaccines.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve had the MenACWY vaccine, contact your GP practice. It’s quick to check and easy to arrange.

If you are not already registered with a local GP you can access guidance on finding and registering with a local GP surgery on the NHS website.  

Further information on meningococcal disease

• Meningitis - NHS
• The Meningitis Research Foundation
  0808 800 3344 (24 hours)
• Meningitis Now
  0808 80 10 388 (9am to 8pm)

For University based support, please take a look at the range of specialist support available to you via Student Life – and do consider downloading our safe zone app where medical alert need can be triggered whilst you are on campus.

Best Wishes,

Dr Clare Dickens MBE

Director of Student Life and University Designated Safeguarding Lead