Wednesday 18-03-2026 - 16:01

You may have heard the heartbreaking news that a student from the University of Kent has died from meningitis. Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends, nearest-and-dearest, and the wider student community at this time.

Cases of meningitis are spreading in Kent, and we know some of you may be feeling anxious, wondering if you are safe, if you’re protected, and wondering what meningitis even is. We’re giving you the facts, so you can be informed and stay as safe as possible.

---

What is Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Meningitis can affect anyone, of any age, at any time. However, teenagers and young adults are more likely to carry the meningitis-causing bacteria in the back of their throats (up to 1 in 4 people, compared with 1 in 10 in the general population) - typically, why students are at greater risk.

---

Key Facts about Meningitis

• Meningitis can affect anyone of any age.
• Meningitis can kill.
• Meningitis can cause long-term after-effects.
• Viral and bacterial are the most common causes of meningitis.
• No vaccine provides 100% protection against meningitis.
• Early signs and symptoms can appear similar to the flu or a stomach bug.

---

Types of Meningitis and Causes

There are two types of meningitis: viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. Meningitis can be caused by different viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In the UK, viruses and bacteria are the most common causes.

• Viral meningitis is the most common cause of meningitis and can cause life-changing after-effects for some.
• Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention. Many different bacteria can cause meningitis.

Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening infection. It is the term used to describe two major illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal bacteria and can rapidly lead to sepsis - a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It happens when your immune system overacts to an infection and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs.

---

How does Meningitis spread

The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through sneezing, coughing and kissing. Meningitis does not spread super easily. Sitting next to someone on a bus is not considered a risk, for example. It normally requires very close contact involving the exchange of saliva, such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes.

---

Symptoms of Meningitis

Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all. Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia/sepsis. It is possible to have meningitis or septicaemia alone, or they may both occur together.

Early signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis (septicaemia)

• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle pain
• Stomach cramps
• Fever with cold hands and feet

Common signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis (septicaemia)

• Fever with cold hands and feet
• Vomiting
• Drowsy or difficult to wake
• Confusion and irritability
• Severe muscle pain
• Pale blotchy skin, spots, or rash
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Dislike bright lights
• Convulsions or seizures

---

The Glass Test

A rash is a common sign of meningitis. The glass test involves pressing the side of a clear drinking glass firmly against a rash to see if the rash fades and loses colour under pressure - If it doesn’t change colour, contact your doctor immediately.

The rash can be harder to see on darker skin. Check paler areas, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, roof of the mouth, tummy, whites of the eyes, or the inside of the eyelids.

---

Early treatment can be lifesaving

Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly. Anyone displaying any of these symptoms should seek urgent medical advice by calling 999 or going to the nearest A&E immediately.

Vaccines and Doctors (GPs)

You must look after your health and be registered with a GP. You can check if your vaccinations are up to date with your GP. You can read more about registering with a GP using the NHS register with a GP service.

Since 2015, children in the UK have been vaccinated for Meningitis B. Anyone over the age of 11 (people born before 2015) are most likely unvaccinated (unless your parents/guardians paid privately to have the vaccine).

If you missed the vaccine when you were at school, you can get the MenACWY vaccine up to the age of 25. Although the vaccine is very effective, it does not prevent all types of meningitis, so it's still important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis even if you've been vaccinated.

---

Wellbeing Support

This news brings a range of different feelings, and we want to encourage any student who may feel like they need support at this time to reach out to the University’s Wellbeing Service.

---

What we're doing next

• We’ve ordered resource materials from Meningitis Now to raise awareness of meningitis - they’ll be arriving on all our campuses shortly.
• We'll be educating our staff on meningitis.
• We'll be updating our Freshers well-being communications to include a section dedicated to meningitis.

---

Further information and support

National Health Service (NHS) Meningitis webpage

Meningitis Now: Meningitis in students