Update following the meningitis outbreak in Kent

Updated: 25 March 2026

At this time there are no suspected or confirmed cases of meningitis in South Wales or elsewhere in Wales linked to the outbreak in Kent. Updated information about the outbreak in Kent is available from the UK Health Security Agency.

Signs and symptoms

We recommend that young people, parents and families familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis.

These conditions can progress rapidly from mild symptoms to severe illness. Babies, young children, teenagers and young adults (especially those in close-contact settings like colleges and universities) are at higher risk.

Vaccination against meningitis

Bacterial meningitis can be caused by a number of different types of bacteria. Several vaccinations in the routine vaccination schedule in Wales offer protection against meningitis.

For the best protection against preventable illness, it is vital that children and young people are fully vaccinated. Details of the routine NHS vaccination schedule in Wales are available here.