UK Warns Children and Students at Higher Risk as Meningitis Cases Rise Nationwide

London, Nov 2025 : Children and young adults in the UK—especially university students—are facing an increased risk of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has cautioned amid a nationwide surge in infections.

According to newly released UKHSA data, 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) were reported in 2024–25, compared to 340 the previous year. The rise has been most pronounced among infants, children and teenagers. The MenB strain remains the dominant cause, accounting for 90 per cent of infections in babies and all cases recorded among 15- to 19-year-olds.

Health officials warned that young people entering university are particularly vulnerable due to close social interaction, shared accommodation, late-night gatherings and increased exposure to new bacteria. The decline in vaccination uptake among infants and adolescents has further intensified public-health concerns.

“These latest figures are a stark reminder that meningitis continues to pose a serious threat to children and young adults,” Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said, urging all eligible groups—especially teenagers preparing for higher education—to get vaccinated. She stressed that immunisation provides “crucial protection against this devastating disease, which can take hold in a matter of hours.”

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, and can progress rapidly, leading to life-threatening complications. Symptoms often include high fever, vomiting, muscle and limb pain, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and, in some cases, a distinctive rash.

Health authorities reiterated that vaccination remains the most effective defence against severe disease and death, noting that early detection and urgent medical treatment are vital. One in five survivors of bacterial meningitis may suffer long-term complications such as hearing loss, seizures, limb weakness, visual impairment, speech and memory difficulties, scarring or even limb amputation following sepsis.

UKHSA emphasised that when bacterial meningitis is suspected, antibiotic treatment must begin immediately—well before laboratory results from a lumbar puncture are available. Choice of antibiotics should reflect the patient’s age, underlying health conditions and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. In non-epidemic settings, intravenous corticosteroids such as dexamethasone are recommended alongside the first antibiotic dose to reduce inflammation and the risk of permanent neurological damage.

Officials hope the renewed warning will encourage families, schools and universities to strengthen vaccination awareness and ensure at-risk groups receive timely protection.