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) among young people, particularly university students. Statistics reveal that there were 378 confirmed cases of IMD in the 2024-25 period, a concerning trend that health officials warn could lead to severe health consequences.

Recent data from the UKHSA indicates that the majority of these cases were caused by Meningitis B, accounting for 82.6% (or 313 cases) of the total. Other strains, such as Meningococcal group W (MenW) and MenY, accounted for 11.3% (43 cases) and 3.4% (13 cases), respectively. The agency noted a notable rise in MenW cases, which have increased from 17 the previous year, largely attributed to travel to Saudi Arabia.

While cases of IMD saw a dramatic decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have surged recently. The UKHSA reports that, despite the overall lower rates of IMD, cases of MenB rose markedly when compared to the 2023-2024 figures. Vaccination rates among infants and teenagers have declined, leaving many young individuals vulnerable to these preventable illnesses.

Vaccination Rates Decline, Increasing Risks

The most recent quarterly statistics reveal a drop in the uptake of the MenB vaccine among infants at 12 months of age, which decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 91.4%. Additionally, the MenACWY vaccine coverage for Year 9 pupils during the 2023-24 academic year was reported at 72.1%. This figure, while up by 3.5 percentage points from the previous year, remains below the pre-pandemic coverage of 88.0% in 2018-2019.

The UKHSA emphasizes the importance of vaccinations, stating that two vaccines—MenB and MenACWY—are essential for protection against the primary causes of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The MenB vaccine is administered to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and again at one year of age, while the MenACWY vaccine is typically given to teenagers in Year 9 (aged 13-14).

Dr. Helen Campbell, the lead scientist at UKHSA, urged parents to ensure their children receive these vital vaccinations. “The fight against meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia continues with MenB still causing most of the cases last year,” she said.

Call to Action for Parents and Students

Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating, “These latest figures are a stark reminder that meningitis remains a serious threat to children and young adults.” He urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children are up to date with their vaccinations.

Dr. Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, highlighted the troubling trend of low vaccination rates. “Too many children and young people are still not fully vaccinated against meningitis—a debilitating disease that can strike quickly,” she said.

Despite the effectiveness of the MenACWY program since its introduction in 2015, there remains a significant risk, particularly among students. The close living conditions at universities heighten susceptibility to IMD.

The UKHSA has advised anyone who has missed their vaccinations to contact their GP surgery immediately. They also emphasized the importance of recognizing the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, which can appear in any sequence and include sudden fever, headache, and a stiff neck.

The agency stressed that swift identification and treatment are crucial, as early intervention can save lives. As health officials continue to monitor the situation, they reinforce the message that a simple vaccination can prevent devastating health consequences.