Thursday 19-03-2026 - 11:12

 

We know that some of you will be worried seeing the news from Kent about a meningitis outbreak affecting students there.

 

 

 
We want to give you some information that is being shared by the University to reassure you and give you some guidance on what you should do to protect yourself.

It should be said that at the moment the outbreak is confined to the Canterbury area of Kent and there is no suggestion that there is an imminent risk to the health of anyone in Lancaster. 

LUSU Wellbeing Officer, Leah Buttery, states “The news is full of frightening headlines lately, and it’s understandable that students will feel worried by the meningitis outbreak in Kent. We want to encourage students to stay informed about the signs and symptoms, and what to do if you feel worried about yourself or someone that you know. At the moment, there is no need to panic, but if you are affected by the news, please reach out to lusuadvice@lancaster.ac.uk for support and information.”
 

This is the information that is being shared by the University on the situation:

Lancaster University students are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves from meningitis following a series of cases in south-east England.
Meningitis is a serious condition that is most common in children and young people and needs to be treated quickly.

Cases have recently been recorded in Kent, south-east England, with two people having sadly died.

To help protect yourself, and those around you, please follow the guidance below. It contains advice on vaccination, as well as symptoms of the conditions, and what to do if you are concerned about a possible case.
 

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a serious disease that causes protective layers around the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed.
In the UK, most cases are due to bacteria or viruses. Some of the bacteria that cause meningitis can also lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning), and both conditions can result in sepsis, which is life-threatening.

Anyone can get meningitis, but it’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
 
Check your vaccinations
As part of the welcome process, Lancaster University students are asked to make sure they have had vaccines – including the MenACWY vaccine – before beginning University.
If you are under 25 years of age and have not yet had the MenACWY vaccine, please ask your doctor about this. It protects against four types of bacteria linked to meningitis but doesn't prevent all types of the disease, such as MenB, so it’s still important you know the signs and symptoms.
Follow the guidance to check your vaccinations, and also to register with a doctor.
 
Understand the signs and symptoms
Early symptoms – such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches – may appear similar to colds or flu. But someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours. That’s why it’s crucial to keep checking on anyone who is unwell.
Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not happen at all. For meningitis, common signs and symptoms include:
        •       fever
        •       a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help)
        •       vomiting
        •       stiff neck
        •       dislike of bright lights
        •       rash
        •       confusion, delirium
        •       severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
        •       fits
 
The most important signs of septicaemia are:
        •       fever and shivering
        •       severe pains and aches in limbs and joints
        •       vomiting
        •       very cold hands and feet
        •       pale or blotchy skin
        •       rapid breathing
        •       diarrhoea and stomach cramps
        •       red or purple ‘bruised’ or blotchy rash on skin that does not fade under pressure - do the glass test. On dark skin, check inside the eyelids or roof of the mouth where the spots may be more visible
        •       difficulty walking or standing
        •       severe sleepiness, losing consciousness.
 
What to do if you suspect a case
Call 999 immediately or go to your nearest hospital’s Accident and Emergency department if you think you or someone in your care could have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis. If you call 999 while on campus, please then call  01524 594541 for Security Reception so they can direct the emergency services appropriately on arrival.
Call NHS 111 if you're unsure whether it's serious.
If you've already had medical advice but remain worried or symptoms worsen, seek medical help again.
 
Find out more
The following organisations provide more information and advice about the condition:
        •       UK Health Security Agency
        •       The NHS
        •       The Meningitis Research Foundation
        •       Meningitis Now