Could It Be Meningitis? 11 Warning Signs Every Parent Needs To Know

If you're worried about symptoms, "trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help".

Parents editor at HuffPost UK

This article features advice from Dr Tom Nutt, of Meningitis Now, the NHS and the UK government.

After an outbreak of meningitis claimed the lives of two students in Canterbury, experts are urging people to be aware of the symptoms and seek urgent help if they experience them.

A further 11 people are hospitalised by the illness, the BBC reported, with most aged between 18 and 21 years old.

Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of the charity Meningitis Now, said they are “deeply saddened” to hear of the deaths.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with their families, friends and the entire university community at this incredibly difficult time,” he added.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection (the former is less common, but more serious).

The infection most commonly occurs in babies, young children, teens and young adults.

Following the latest outbreak; parents, students and university staff are being urged to “remain vigilant” for the signs of meningitis, which can include:

Drowsiness/unresponsiveness

A rash that doesn’t fade under pressure

(Source: Dr Nutt and the NHS)

What’s behind the outbreak?

Cases of meningitis dropped sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic but have since increased – in 2024-25, cases were higher than they were the year previous, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Alongside this, infant and teenage vaccination rates have declined, leaving more people vulnerable.

Three vaccines protect against the main causes of meningitis. The MenB vaccine is offered to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year of age, as part of routine NHS vaccinations. Babies are also given the pneumococcal vaccine at 16 weeks and one year.

The MenACWY vaccine protects teenagers against four types of bacteria linked to meningitis and is usually given in school during Year 9 (when kids are aged 13-14).

If you haven’t had it and are in higher education, speak to your GP about getting one (you remain eligible for the MenACWY jab until your 25th birthday).

How is meningitis treated?

While viral meningitis typically improves on its own within seven to 10 days, the NHS notes bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital with antibiotics (and possible fluids/oxygen) for at least a week.

The government advises that anyone affected with meningococcal disease “will usually become seriously ill within a few hours”.

You should contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice if you have any concerns about your own or someone else’s health.

If symptoms are getting worse, seek medical help urgently at the closest emergency department or by dialling 999.

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