UKHSA Health Protection Briefing Note 2026/015: Cluster of meningococcal infection, South East England

Posted on:

Dear colleagues,

UKHSA identified 3 cases of Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) in Reading, South East England, with onset dates between Saturday, 09 May and Tuesday, 12 May 2026. Cases are aged between 14 and 18 years and are strongly epidemiologically linked via family and friend networks. All 3 cases have been confirmed as Neisseria meningitidis. One case is confirmed group B, subtype P1.21-7,16-83,37-1. This is a different subtype to the recent outbreaks in Kent (March) and Dorset (April), and these cases are not linked to either outbreak. Strain typing for the other two cases is yet to be confirmed. One of the cases has sadly died.

The purpose of this briefing note is to detail the clinical and public health response.

If you have any queries about the information cascaded, please contact: Incident065.nrc@ukhsa.gov.uk

Please note: This is being cascaded on behalf of UKHSA

20260518_2026_015_ Briefing Note Cluster of meningococcal infection South East England_V01.00Download

This website is for healthcare professions only.

It is not for public use.

Feedback
Feedback
How would you rate your experience?
Do you have any additional comment?
Next
Enter your email if you'd like us to contact you regarding with your feedback.
Back
Submit
Thank you for submitting your feedback!