What is meningitis B?

Meningitis B is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B. It can cause inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord and may lead to life threatening illness or complications if not treated quickly.

Why are university students at higher risk of meningitis?

University students often live in shared accommodation and have close social contact with others. Meningococcal bacteria spread through respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing or kissing, which increases transmission risk in student settings.

What are the early symptoms of meningitis B?

Early symptoms can include fever, vomiting, severe headache, muscle pain and cold hands and feet. As the illness progresses, symptoms such as a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion and a rash that does not fade when pressed may develop.

Can meningitis B be prevented?

Vaccination can reduce the risk of meningitis B infection. The MenB vaccine (Bexsero) was introduced into the UK childhood immunisation schedule in 2015, but many teenagers and young adults may not have received it.

How many doses of the MenB vaccine do teenagers need?

For teenagers and young adults, the MenB vaccine is usually given as two doses at least four to eight weeks apart. Your clinician can advise on the appropriate schedule.

What should you do if you think someone has meningitis?

Meningitis can progress rapidly and requires urgent medical assessment. If someone develops symptoms such as fever, confusion, a stiff neck or a rash that does not fade when pressed, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Meningitis B Outbreak in Canterbury: How to Protect Teenagers and University Students

Dr Benjamin Davis
15 hours ago
4 min read

The recent outbreak of a deadly strain of meningitis in the Canterbury area among students is a huge shock. Two students have died, and eleven are seriously ill. There’s been a lack of awareness of the risk of meningitis having not had an outbreak in the UK for some time.

What has caused the outbreak?

Meningitis B also known as MenB has been identified as the cause of the outbreak in Kent.

‘Meningitis’ describes the inflammation of the brain's lining, which can have many causes:

Bacterial Strains: MenB and MenACWY are the primary bacterial threats. Other bacteria like Pneumococcus or Hib can also cause it, though these are largely covered by early childhood vaccines (wise to check children in your care are up-to-date with all childhood vaccines before they turn 18).
Viral Meningitis: This is more common and usually less severe, but it cannot be prevented by the MenB vaccine.

Can meningitis be prevented?

Meningitis is a vaccine preventable disease. The vaccine for meningitis B (Bexsero) was introduced in the UK in 2015. However, many young people won’t have been vaccinated as it has been offered as part of routine childhood immunisation for infants, with many teenagers born before 2015 not having been offered the vaccine on the NHS.

While most teens receive the MenACWY vaccine at school, many parents are unaware that this does not protect against Meningitis B, the strain responsible for the vast majority of cases in this age group.

The Value of Vaccination: While no vaccine can stop every possible form of meningitis, MenB represents a particular, preventable risk for teenagers. Addressing this specific gap provides a vital layer of security during a high-risk life stage.

Why the Risk Increases in Teens & Young People

For teenagers and young adults in the UK, starting university or moving into shared accommodation is a major milestone. However, it also marks a period of increased risk for invasive meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal bacteria are carried harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat by about 1 in 10 people, but this rises to roughly 1 in 4 teenagers.

Close Quarters & Socialising: The bacteria spread through close respiratory contact—coughing, sneezing, and kissing. Living in student halls, attending festivals, or shared housing significantly increases transmission risk.
Rapid Progression: Bacterial meningitis is notoriously fast-acting. A teenager can go from feeling "under the weather" to a life-threatening emergency in just 4 to 24 hours.
The Reality of the Risk: While rare, meningitis can be fatal. Approximately 1 in 10 cases of bacterial meningitis results in death. For those who survive, around 25% are left with life-altering complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or limb loss.

Recognising the Symptoms of Meningitis B

Meningitis B often starts with symptoms that look like ‘freshers' flu’ or a bad hangover. Because it moves so fast, knowing what to look for is important.

Early Signs: Fever, vomiting, severe headache, and muscle/joint pain.
Cold Hands and Feet: Often an early sign of sepsis, where the body pulls blood away from the limbs to protect the organs.
The "Classic" Signs: A stiff neck, a strong dislike of bright lights (photophobia), and drowsiness or confusion.
The Rash: A red or purple ‘pinprick’ rash or blotches that do not fade when a glass is pressed firmly against them (the Tumbler Test).
Important: Do not wait for a rash to appear. The rash is often a late sign of septicaemia. If a teen is rapidly worsening, seek emergency help immediately.

Antibiotic Treatment to Prevent Meningitis

Antibiotics are being given to people with close contact with the students who have been diagnosed with meningitis. This is usually a single dose of an antibiotic called ciprofloxacin.

Close contacts include:

Household members
People sleeping in the same household
Those with intimate exposure – kissing or sexual partners

Vaccination with the meningitis B vaccine can also be given to contacts but does not replace a dose of antibiotics for those in close contact of a case.

The Vaccine: Practical FAQ

1. What is the vaccine and how many doses are needed?

The vaccine is called Bexsero. For teenagers, the course consists of two doses, administered at least 4 to 8 weeks apart, and ideally within 6 months.

2. How effective is it?

Real-world data from the UK indicates the vaccine is approximately 83% to 94% effective against the MenB strains it was designed to target.

3. Who should NOT have the vaccine?

Bexsero is a ‘non-live’ (inactivated) vaccine, meaning it cannot cause the disease itself. It’s suitable for most people, with the following exceptions:

Severe Allergic Reaction: Anyone who has had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of Bexsero or any of its ingredients should not have it.
Latex Sensitivity: The tip cap of the pre-filled syringe contains natural rubber latex. While the risk is low, those with a severe latex allergy should consult their clinician first.
Hypersensitivity to Kanamycin: The manufacturing process uses the antibiotic kanamycin. If you have a known severe allergy to this specific antibiotic, you must inform the provider.
Current Illness: If the teen has a high fever or is acutely unwell, the vaccination should be postponed until they have recovered.

FAQs

Book a same day appointment today with one of our GPs for review of your vaccination history.
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If you have any symptoms you are worried about do not delay in seeking help. Call us on 02071187588 for an urgent appointment.