Health Secretary Wes Streeting has praised the “Herculean efforts” to protect people from the Kent meningitis outbreak and care for those affected.
“It has been an incredibly difficult week for those affected and for those working on the frontline response to this outbreak,” he said.
“As we look ahead to another challenging week, I wanted to pay tribute to the Herculean efforts of everyone who has worked tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe.”
It comes as the number of cases linked to a meningitis outbreak in Kent has fallen after a number of infections were downgraded following further tests.
The UK Health and Security Agency said the total number of confirmed and suspected cases was now 29, down from 34 on Saturday.
Dr Sherine Thomas, infectious diseases consultant at UKHSA, said it was possible that further cases could be downgraded in the coming days but said "we continue to remain vigilant for new cases”.
She said it was reassuring that so many young people had come forward for antibiotics and vaccination, with 9,000 jabs and over 12,000 courses of preventative treatments now handed out.
Key Points
- Recap: Meningitis cases fall as experts call for 'vigilance'
- More than 9000 meningitis B vaccines administered
- Health officials 'remain vigilant' for new cases
- Towie star battling viral meningitis
Health chiefs warn deadly meningitis B strain mutation could be fuelling rapid spread
09:20 , Rebecca WhittakerHealth officials said samples have been taken from meningitis patients in hospitals to analyse the bacteria in a laboratory.
Using genome sequencing, they hope to determine the specific variant of the meningitis B strain.
Health chiefs warn deadly meningitis strain mutation could be fuelling rapid spread
Number of meningitis cases drop after cases downgraded
09:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe number of cases of meningitis linked to an outbreak in Kent has decreased after some “confirmed” cases were downgraded following further tests, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
The number of confirmed cases was 20 and nine suspected cases remain under investigation, bringing the total to 29, as of 12.30pm on March 21.
The UKHSA said: “Some cases initially classified as confirmed cases have been reclassified following further laboratory results and clinical investigation.
“As further laboratory assessments are completing, we expect some further probable cases to be downgraded in the coming days.”
Meningitis: Family describes ‘immeasurable loss’ as officials face questions
08:40 , Rebecca Whittaker
Meningitis: Family describes ‘immeasurable loss’ as officials face questions
People can deteriorate from meningitis in 'hours, not days'
08:10 , Amy-Clare MartinExperts say the speed of the response meningitis cases and the wider outbreak is crucial.
"It's one of the few diseases where we don't encourage doctors to delay antibiotics while they take samples," Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, told the Sunday Times.
"As soon as you suspect it, you whack in the penicillin, because it is hours, not days, that people can deteriorate."
Watch: Meningitis: ‘Sporadic’ household clusters could appear elsewhere in UK
07:40 , Rebecca WhittakerPictured: The response to the meningitis outbreak
07:10 , Amy-Clare Martin
Recap: Meningitis cases fall as experts call for 'vigilance'
06:10 , Amy-Clare Martin- The number of meningitis cases linked to an outbreak in Kent has decreased after some initially confirmed cases were reclassified following further tests
- As of 21 March, there are 20 confirmed cases and nine suspected cases under investigation, bringing the total to 29
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that cases were reclassified based on additional laboratory results and clinical investigation
- The UKHSA expects more probable cases to be downgraded in the coming days as further laboratory assessments are completed
- Dr Sherine Thomas of UKHSA highlighted ongoing vigilance, the importance of knowing symptoms, and seeking immediate medical attention, while reassuring the public that the risk to the wider population remains low
Recap: More than 9000 meningitis B vaccines administered
05:10 , Amy-Clare MartinMore than 9,078 meningitis B vaccines had been administered as of Saturday evening while 12,595 antibiotics had been handed out, NHS Kent and Medway said.
Health officials 'remain vigilant' for new cases
04:10 , Amy-Clare MartinDr Sherine Thomas, infectious diseases consultant at the UKHSA, said on Sunday: “We continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country to ensure that any new cases identified are responded to as quickly as possible.
“It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination, and we’d like to thank everyone involved in this effort so far.
“Although the risk to the wider population remains low, it is still really important that people know the symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops them. UKHSA continues to work with partners to identify contacts and offer necessary treatment.”
The UK Health and Security Agency said the total number of confirmed and suspected cases fell to 29 on Sunday, down from 34, after further testing.
Towie star battling viral meningitis
03:10 , Amy-Clare MartinReality television personality Jordan Brook has this weekend revealed he is battling viral meningitis in an update from his hospital bed.
‘The Only Way is Essex’ star’s case is not connected to the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.
Read more:
Towie star Jordan Brook reveals he has meningitis in update from hospital bed
Meningitis B: What are the symptoms and how does it spread?
02:10 , Amy-Clare MartinHere are the symptoms of meningitis and what to do if you suspect you have the infection:
Meningitis victim, 18, had 'beautifully positive energy', grieving father says
01:10 , Amy-Clare MartinThe father of an 18-year-old girl who died following a meningitis outbreak in Kent had a “beautifully positive energy”, her grieving father has said.
Juliette Kenny died on Saturday, 14 March, one day after first showing symptoms including vomiting and discolouration in her cheeks, her father Michael Kenny said.
Mr Kenny added his daughter had been "fit, healthy and strong" before her death, having completed her PE A-level practical assessment days earlier.
Juliette is one of two young people who have died following the meningitis B outbreak in the county.
Read more:
Family pay tribute to teenager who died after meningitis outbreak
‘Sporadic’ household clusters could appear elsewhere in UK
00:10 , Amy Clare-Martin- A fatal meningitis outbreak in Kent has resulted in 29 cases, comprising 18 confirmed and 11 probable, all linked to the region, with two deaths reported
- Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council’s director of public health, warned on Friday that sporadic household clusters of meningitis could emerge outside Kent over the next four weeks as students incubating the bug travel, though he expects these to be “containable”
- He clarified that meningitis requires “protracted close contact” for transmission, such as sharing utensils or kissing, making it significantly less transmissible than Covid-19
Thousands sign petition calling for menB vaccination programme for 16 to 23-year-olds
Sunday 22 March 2026 23:10 , Amy-Clare MartinTens of thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the government to fund the rollout meningitis B vaccinations for 16 to 23-year-olds.
Marrissa Mullans, whose 18-year-old son, Alfie Jake Mullans, died from menB in 2023, said young people "have the right to life" and no parent should have to lose a child.
She is calling for a catch-up vaccination programme for 16 to 23-year-olds who were too old to be eligible for the jab when it was rolled out on the NHS in 2015.
Read the full story:
Calls for meningitis B vaccination programme for 16 to 23-year-olds
Lisa Snowdon shares meningitis symptoms she ‘ignored’ when she ‘almost died’
Sunday 22 March 2026 22:10 , Amy-Clare MartinLisa Snowdon has recalled almost dying from meningitis after ignoring symptoms for weeks, and said she still suffers side effects 16 years later.
The DJ and presenter shared her story this week in the wake of an outbreak of meningitis B in Kent that’s dozens in hospital and resulted in the deaths of two students.
Snowdon, 54, contracted a viral strand of the illness in 2010.
Read the full story:
Wes Streeting praises 'Herculean efforts' to protect people from outbreak
Sunday 22 March 2026 21:10 , Amy-Clare MartinHealth Secretary Wes Streeting has praised the “Herculean efforts” to protect people from the Kent meningitis outbreak and care for those affected.
He offered his condolences to the families of the two students who have died in the outbreak and said his thoughts are with those in hospital “fighting this terrible disease”.
He said in the statement on Sunday: “It has been an incredibly difficult week for those affected and for those working on the frontline response to this outbreak.
“As we look ahead to another challenging week, I wanted to pay tribute to the Herculean efforts of everyone who has worked tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe.”
Recap: Cases fall after some infections downgraded
Sunday 22 March 2026 20:10 , Amy-Clare MartinThe number of cases of meningitis linked to an outbreak in Kent has dropped as the campaign to vaccinate thousands of young people continues.
Confirmed cases have fallen from 23 to 20, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in an update on Sunday morning, after they were downgraded following further testing.
Meanwhile, suspected cases under investigation have also fallen from 11 to nine, meaning the total number of cases is 29, down from 34 on Saturday.
Nineteen of the 20 confirmed cases are meningitis B and all cases have required hospital admission.
The two students who have died are 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, who was described by her family as “fit, healthy and strong” before her death, and a University of Kent student.
NHS Kent and Medway said more than 9,078 vaccines had been handed out as of Saturday evening while 12,595 antibiotics had been administered.
How to check your meningitis vaccine status amid Kent outbreak
Sunday 22 March 2026 19:10 , Amy-Clare MartinDr Amir Khan explains how to check if you’re protected:
Simple way to check your meningitis vaccine status amid Kent outbreak
WATCH: Kent students receive meningitis B vaccines on fourth day of rollout
Sunday 22 March 2026 18:10 , Amy-Clare MartinUnwitting students recall partying at 'super spreader' event
Sunday 22 March 2026 17:10 , Amy-Clare MartinUnwitting students partied at a British icons themed night at the Canterbury nightclub which has been described as a “super spreader” event.
Hundreds celebrated, including many in fancy dress, at the event at Club Chemistry on 5 March. The venue closed voluntarily on 15 March following news of the meningitis outbreak.
Belle Hamilton, a first-year physiotherapist at neighbouring Canterbury Christ Church University, told the Sunday Times: "It was the best night of clubbing we've had at uni.”
Others recounted widespread vaping, drink-sharing and embracing.
Mia Russell, 20, said she and her friends went there "most weeks" and had been in attendance on both 7 and 14 March.
She told the Sunday Telegraph that the three-storey club had been busy on both nights she attended, with people packed into its small smoking area.
Update: More than 9000 vaccines administered
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:40 , Amy-Clare MartinMore than 9,078 meningitis B vaccines had been administered as of Saturday evening while 12,595 antibiotics had been handed out, NHS Kent and Medway said.
Dr Sherine Thomas, infectious diseases consultant at the UKHSA, said: “It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination, and we’d like to thank everyone involved in this effort so far.”
University tries to reassure staff, students and parents
Sunday 22 March 2026 16:10 , Amy-Clare MartinAt Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), which announced one confirmed case of meningitis on Wednesday, held an information session to reassure its staff, according to reports.
Many had been missing from work following the outbreak, with the University and College Union telling its members it would support them if they wanted to work remotely.
Prof Rama Thirunamachandran, the university's vice-chancellor, said the dean of its medical school led an information session for staff on Thursday morning. Only 75 turned up in person to the information session and 750 joined at home. Afterwards, many returned to in-person teaching.
"It's a completely natural instinct, having gone through Covid, to feel anxious about this outbreak,” he told The Observer. “It's incumbent on leaders like me, as well as politicians and public health officials, to explain why it is different."
He said that, unlike Covid, meningitis is a bacterial infection, not a fast-spreading virus, and is passed on through droplets via close contact such as kissing, rather than in the air.
Recap: Meningitis cases have fallen to 29
Sunday 22 March 2026 15:40 , Amy-Clare MartinThe number of cases of meningitis linked to an outbreak in Kent have fallen as a campaign to vaccinate thousands of young people continued into a fourth day.
Confirmed cases have fallen from 23 to 20, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in an update on Sunday morning, after they were downgraded following further testing.
Meanwhile, suspected cases under investigation have also fallen from 11 to nine, meaning the total number of cases is 29, down from 34 on Saturday.
Nineteen of the 20 confirmed cases are meningitis B and all cases have required hospital admission.
Pictured: Fourth day of meningitis B vaccine rollout
Sunday 22 March 2026 15:10 , Amy-Clare Martin
People can deteriorate from meningitis in 'hours, not days'
Sunday 22 March 2026 14:40 , Amy-Clare MartinExperts say the speed of the response meningitis cases and the wider outbreak is crucial.
"It's one of the few diseases where we don't encourage doctors to delay antibiotics while they take samples," Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, told the Sunday Times.
"As soon as you suspect it, you whack in the penicillin, because it is hours, not days, that people can deteriorate."
Meningitis: Key symptoms to look out for
Sunday 22 March 2026 14:10 , Amy-Clare MartinHealth officials have said they are “remaining vigilant” a week after the Kent meningitis outbreak began. The warned it is “really important that people know the symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease”.
Some key symptoms of meningitis and sepsis, according to the NHS, include:
- High temperature
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Muscle and joint pain
- Pale, mottled or blotchy skin
- Spots or a rash
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- Fits (seizures)
Towie star Jordan Brook battling viral meningitis
Sunday 22 March 2026 13:40 , Amy-Clare MartinJordan Brook has revealed he is battling viral meningitis and encephalitis in an update from his hospital bed.
‘The Only Way is Essex’ star’s case is not connected to the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.
Read the full story:
Towie star Jordan Brook reveals he has meningitis in update from hospital bed
WATCH: 'Sporadic' meningitis clusters could spread outside Kent
Sunday 22 March 2026 13:10 , Amy-Clare MartinKent County Council’s director of public health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, warned on Friday that “small household, sporadic clusters” could appear in other parts of the UK as students who have travelled away from Kent “incubate” the bug.
But he said these would be “containable” and stressed the risk of infection between individuals is low.
Dr Ghosh said it was the “most likely” scenario but outlined two other possibilities: the outbreak remaining contained in Kent, and the “worst-case scenario” – which he said is “highly unlikely” – of another cluster outside Kent.
Wes Streeting issues statement one week after outbreak started
Sunday 22 March 2026 12:40 , Amy-Clare MartinHealth secretary Wes Streeting has paid tribute to healthcare workers battling to contain the outbreak.
In statement, first published in the Sunday Mirror, he said: “As we mark a week since the first confirmed case of the Kent meningitis outbreak, I want to first take a moment to again share my condolences with the families of the two students who tragically died. And my thoughts remain with all those ill in hospital fighting this terrible disease.
“It has been an incredibly difficult week for those affected and for those working on the front line response to this outbreak.“As we look ahead to another challenging week, I wanted to pay tribute to the Herculean efforts of everyone who has worked tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe.
“To the UKHSA and other public health officials working to contain the outbreak. The NHS team who stood up a vaccination programme within one day of it being announced, distributed more than 12,000 doses of antibiotics, and those caring for young patients in hospital.
“The school, college and university staff keeping students and parents informed, helping young people through the distress of this outbreak, and keeping their education going. And the thousands of students, pupils, and other members of the public who have so readily and responsibly come forward for antibiotics and vaccination.“I am incredibly grateful to you all. Thank you.”
How many people have been vaccinated?
Sunday 22 March 2026 12:15 , Amy-Clare MartinMore than 8,000 meningitis B vaccines have been handed out so far while 12,157 antibiotics had been administered, NHS Kent and Medway said.
Confirmed cases have fallen from 23 to 20, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in an update on Sunday morning, after they were downgraded following further testing.
Meanwhile, suspected cases under investigation have also fallen from 11 to nine, meaning the total number of cases is 29, down from 34 on Saturday.
Nineteen of the 20 confirmed cases are meningitis B and all cases have required hospital admission.
In pictures: The meningitis outbreak response
Sunday 22 March 2026 11:45 , Amy-Clare Martin
More cases could be downgraded in coming days
Sunday 22 March 2026 11:15 , Amy-Clare MartinThe UKHSA said it expects more cases to be downgraded in the coming days as further laboratory assessments are completed.
The total number of meningitis cases fell from 34 to 29 on Sunday, officials said, after some “confirmed” cases were downgraded following further tests.
'Fit and healthy' girl, 18, died one day after showing meningitis symptoms
Sunday 22 March 2026 10:49 , Amy-Clare MartinThe father of an 18-year-old girl who died after contracting meningitis during the Kent outbreak said "no family should experience this pain and tragedy" as he called for better protection for young people.
Juliette Kenny died on Saturday, 14 March, one day after first showing symptoms including vomiting and discolouration in her cheeks, her father Michael Kenny said.
Mr Kenny added his daughter had been "fit, healthy and strong" before her death, having completed her PE A-level practical assessment on days earlier.
Read the full story:
Family pay tribute to teenager who died after meningitis outbreak
Health officials 'remain vigilant' despite drop in cases
Sunday 22 March 2026 10:15 , Amy-Clare MartinHealth officials have said they “remain vigilant” despite the drop in cases.
Dr Sherine Thomas, infectious diseases consultant at UKHSA, said: “We continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country to ensure that any new cases identified are responded to as quickly as possible.
“It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination, and we’d like to thank everyone involved in this effort so far.
“Although the risk to the wider population remains low, it is still really important that people know the symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops them. UKHSA continues to work with partners to identify contacts and offer necessary treatment.”
BREAKING: Meningitis cases fall to 29 after some downgraded
Sunday 22 March 2026 10:04 , Amy-Clare MartinThe number of cases of meningitis linked to an outbreak in Kent has decreased after some “confirmed” cases were downgraded following further tests, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
As of 12.30pm on 21 March, the number of confirmed cases was 20 and nine suspected cases remain under investigation, bringing the total to 29. This is down from 34 on Saturday.
The UKHSA said: “Some cases initially classified as confirmed cases have been reclassified following further laboratory results and clinical investigation.
“As further laboratory assessments are completing, we expect some further probable cases to be downgraded in the coming days.”
WATCH: Students queuing for a vaccine at the University of Kent
Sunday 22 March 2026 09:45 , Amy-Clare MartinHundreds had joined the queue before the clinic opened on Saturday:
