Table of Contents
- Warning About Brain Infection
- What is Meningococcal Infection?
- Symptoms of Meningitis
- Recent Cases and Statistics
- Importance of Vaccination
- Recommended Vaccines by Age
- FAQ
Children and teenagers in England are facing a serious brain infection this winter that can “develop rapidly,” according to health officials.
Cases of this infection, which can lead to severe illness and even death, have surged across the nation over the past year, prompting experts to express deep concern.
Meningococcal infection invades the nervous system and can become fatal within hoursCredit: Getty – Contributor
The infection is preventable with a vaccine, but declining vaccination rates among infants and school-aged children have resulted in more young people being at risk than last year.
Meningitis is an infection affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Many initial symptoms, such as headache, fever, body aches, and general fatigue, can be easily overlooked as they resemble milder illnesses like colds and flu.
As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms may arise, including a rash that does not fade when pressed, a stiff neck, confusion, sensitivity to light, cold extremities, or rapid breathing.
While meningitis can affect anyone, it is particularly prevalent among infants, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
Approximately one in ten individuals who contract it may die, as it can lead to life-threatening blood poisoning known as sepsis if not treated promptly.
Even among those who survive, up to half may experience serious long-term health issues, including brain damage or nerve injuries.
Recently, two students at the University of Brighton were hospitalized with meningitis, as reported by the BBC .
The university stated that both students were recovering and that everyone who had close contact with them had received treatment as a precaution.
It noted that it was not aware of any additional cases beyond the two confirmed by the UK Health and Security Agency, with the latest case reported on October 24.
Statistics indicate there were 378 cases of the serious bacterial infection invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in 2024/25, according to separate UKHSA data.
This marks an increase from 340 cases in the previous year.
More than 82 percent of cases last year – approximately 313 – were attributed to MenB, up from 301 in 2023/24.
The majority of cases occurred among children and young people, with this strain accounting for 90 percent of cases in infants and all 65 cases in individuals aged 15 to 19, along with the highest proportion of cases among those aged 25 and older.
Dr. Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now, stated, “These figures are extremely concerning.
“Meningitis can affect anyone at any time, but the rise in cases among teenagers, young adults, and infants – some of the most vulnerable populations – highlights the critical need for vigilance.”
“Early detection saves lives, but vaccination remains the most effective means of protecting against this devastating disease.”
This situation coincides with a decline in vaccination rates among infants and teenagers, leaving young people more vulnerable to the disease, according to UKHSA.
Public health minister Ashley Dalton remarked that the number of cases serves as a “stark reminder that meningitis remains a serious threat to children and young adults.”
She urged all parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations, as well as those who are eligible.
Two vaccines are available to protect against these infections.
The MenB vaccine is administered to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year, while the MenACWY vaccine – which protects against four strains – is typically offered to teenagers in Year 9.
Recent quarterly data reveals that the uptake of the MenB vaccine among one-year-olds has decreased by 0.3 percent to 91.4 percent.
Coverage of the MenACWY vaccine among 13 to 14-year-olds was 72.1 percent, which is higher than in 2022/23 but lower than prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
All young people remain eligible for the MenACWY vaccine until their 25th birthday.
‘Watch Your Friends’
Dr. Helen Campbell, lead scientist at UKHSA, stated: “The battle against meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia continues, with MenB still responsible for the majority of cases last year.
“That’s why it is vital for parents to remain vigilant about symptoms and ensure their children receive the infant MenB vaccinations.”
Dr. Campbell also emphasized the increased risk of infection among university students.
“Teenagers should receive their MenACWY vaccine in school when it is offered,” she advised.
“If they have missed this opportunity, it is crucial for them to get vaccinated, especially if they are heading to university or colleges where
