Outbreak of Meningococcal Posted or Updated on 20 Mar 2026

We received the following information from the UK Health Security Agency and NHS England regarding the outbreak of meningococcal disease linked to University of Kent and the area of Canterbury.

Between 13 and 16 March 2026, UKHSA identified 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in the South East. Four cases have been confirmed as meningococcal group B. Most cases are students from the University of Kent, Canterbury, and sixth-form students from local secondary schools. Several cases share exposure at a Canterbury nightclub (Club Chemistry) on 5–7 March. The illness has been severe with rapid deterioration, and two deaths have occurred. This situation is evolving and advice may be updated as information emerges

There are no changes to national guidance on the management of suspected meningococcal disease.

A letter was sent on 15 March to all University of Kent students and staff with warn and inform information to ensure rapid identification of symptomatic individuals. Antibiotic chemoprophylaxis is being offered to:

• All students who live on Canterbury campus
• All staff who live or work in affected Halls of Residence
• Anyone who attended Club Chemistry on 5th, 6th and 7th March
• Close contacts who have been identified by UKHSA

Local clinics are currently offering chemoprophylaxis to contacts in the Canterbury area. However, if an individual has returned home and not already received prophylaxis through UKHSA coordinated clinics, please prescribe this for them on request.

What this means for you

• If you are a registered patient at Brook Lane Surgery
• If you are a student who lives on the Canterbury campus, or are staff who live or work in the affected Halls of Residence, or you attended Club Chemistry on 5th, 6th and 7th March or have been identified as a close contact by UKHSA
• and you have NOT received a dose of Ciprofloxacin at a local clinic

If you answered yes to all of the above please contact us to arrange to receive a dose of Ciprofloxacin, if ciprofloxacin is not suitable for you an alternative will be made available.