Urgent Alert Issued as Meningococcal Disease Cases Surge

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a new alert following a significant rise in cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a condition that can develop rapidly and has the potential to be life-threatening. Recent statistics indicate that there were 378 confirmed cases of IMD in the UK during the 2024-2025 period, primarily affecting young people, particularly university students.

Meningitis B was identified in 82.6% of these cases, totaling 313 instances. Other strains included meningococcal group W (MenW) with 43 cases, meningococcal group Y (MenY) at 13 cases, and meningococcal group C (MenC) making up 0.8%. The latest figures reflect a concerning trend following a dramatic decline in IMD cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a noticeable increase in MenB cases last year compared to the preceding year.

Vaccination rates have fallen, leaving many young individuals vulnerable to preventable illnesses. According to UKHSA data, the uptake of the MenB vaccine among infants at 12 months of age has decreased by 0.3 percentage points, now standing at 91.4%. Meanwhile, coverage for the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four strains of meningococcal disease, reached 72.1% among Year 9 pupils during the 2023/2024 academic year. Although this reflects an increase of 3.5 percentage points from 2022/2023, it remains below the pre-pandemic level of 88.0% seen in 2018/2019.

The UKHSA emphasized that two vaccines are available to protect against the leading causes of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The MenB vaccine is administered to infants at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and again at 1 year of age, while the MenACWY vaccine is typically given to teenagers in school Year 9 (ages 13-14). Parents are urged to keep their children’s vaccinations current, especially as the incidence of disease rises.

Dr. Helen Campbell, the lead scientist at UKHSA, highlighted the urgency of parental vigilance regarding symptoms of meningococcal disease. She stated, “The fight against meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia continues with MenB still causing most of the cases last year. That’s why it’s crucial parents remain alert to symptoms and ensure their children are protected with the infant MenB vaccinations.”

Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton echoed this sentiment, noting, “These latest figures are a stark reminder that meningitis remains a serious threat to children and young adults. I urge all parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations.” The NHS vaccination programme is pivotal in offering protection against this rapidly progressing disease, which can escalate within hours.

Dr. Amanda Doyle, the national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, emphasized the importance of vaccinations, stating, “Too many children and young people are still not fully vaccinated against meningitis – a debilitating disease that can strike quickly and cause life-changing health complications.” She encouraged parents to take advantage of the free vaccinations available through the NHS routine immunisation programme.

While vaccines provide coverage against most strains of meningococcal disease, the UKHSA cautioned that they do not protect against all variants. Recognizing the warning signs of meningitis and septicaemia is critical, as immediate medical attention can be lifesaving. Symptoms may develop in any order and can include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and rash.

As the new academic year approaches, particularly for university students, awareness and action regarding meningococcal disease are crucial. The UKHSA urges all individuals under the age of 25 who have missed vaccinations to seek them out promptly, especially those preparing for higher education.