Urgent alert as cases of deadly disease that 'takes hold in hours' soar

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a fresh warning as new figures reveal a surge in cases of a disease that can "take hold in a matter of hours". The agency has highlighted the risk to children and young adults, particularly university students, from meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

These conditions, while rare, can have devastating, life-altering and sometimes fatal consequences, the UKHSA warned. Fresh data released by the UKHSA on Friday showed that 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) were confirmed in 2024-25.

The most recent statistics published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicate that Meningitis B accounted for a staggering 82.6% (313 out of 378) of all cases, followed by meningococcal group W, known as MenW, (43, 11.3%), MenY (13, 3.4%), and MenC (0.8%). Cases of IMD plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but have since seen an uptick, according to the UKHSA. While overall IMD cases remain lower, the number of MenB cases was higher last year than in 2023/2024.

Vaccination rates among infants and teenagers have seen a decline, leaving more children exposed to preventable diseases. The latest quarterly uptake at 12 months of age for the MenB vaccine showed a decrease of 0.3 percentage points to 91.4%.

Coverage of the MenACWY vaccine for Year 9 students during the 2023/24 academic year stood at 72.1%. This is 3.5 percentage points higher than in 2022/2023 but still falls short of coverage in Year 9 students prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was 88.0% in 2018/2019.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that two vaccines are available to protect against the primary causes of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The MenB vaccine is offered to infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year of age, as part of routine NHS vaccinations. The MenACWY vaccine protects teenagers against four strains and is typically administered in school Year 9 (aged 13-14).

The agency urged parents to ensure their infants and toddlers are up to date with the lifesaving MenB vaccine as disease rates rise. Parents should contact their GP surgery to schedule any missed vaccinations.

Teenagers are offered the MenACWY vaccines when they are aged 13-14 years and anyone under 25 who missed out should catch up as soon as possible, especially if they are at university or another higher education institution. Students can be particularly at risk of IMD due to young people congregating and mixing closely.

The UKHSA said: "The MenACWY programme has been highly effective since its introduction in 2015. Cases of MenW rose to 43 in 2024-25 - an increase from 17 cases recorded the previous year, with cases associated with travel to Saudi Arabia. However, cases remain well below the 218 cases reported in 2015-16, the year that MenACWY vaccine was introduced.

"MenB caused 313 IMD cases last year, affecting mainly children and young people. It was responsible for 90% of cases in infants (35 of 39) and all 65 cases in 15 to 19-year-olds. It also contributed to the highest proportion of cases in individuals aged 25 years and over (70%, 119 of 169)."

Dr Helen Campbell, the lead scientist at UKHSA, said: "The fight against meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia continues with MenB still causing most of the cases last year. That's why it's crucial parents remain alert to symptoms and ensure their children are protected with the infant MenB vaccinations. Teenagers should get their MenACWY in school when offered.

"All teenagers remain eligible for the MenACWY jab until their 25th birthday. If they have missed out, it is vital they get vaccinated, particularly if they are going to university or colleges where their risk of this often-devastating disease is much higher. For students especially, it's vital they know the key symptoms and keep a close watch on any friends who suddenly get sick and, if concerned, seek medical help immediately."

Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: "These latest figures are a stark reminder meningitis remains a serious threat to children and young adults. I urge all parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations as well as those eligible.

"The NHS vaccine programme offers crucial protection against this devastating disease, which can take hold in a matter of hours. A simple vaccination could save a life or prevent life-changing complications."

Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: "Too many children and young people are still not fully vaccinated against meningitis – a debilitating disease that can strike quickly and cause life-changing health complications and be deadly if not treated promptly. Vaccines to protect against this are offered free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme and I would urge all parents to take up the offer of a jab for their children or arrange an appointment with your GP practice if your child has missed one."

The UKHSA emphasised that while the vaccines provide protection against most forms of meningococcal disease, they do not shield against all types, hence the importance of everyone knowing how to identify the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. They advise seeking medical help immediately as early detection and treatment can save lives.

These may occur in any order and include:

• high temperature
• cold hands and feet
• vomiting
• confusion
• breathing quickly
• muscle and joint pain
• pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• headache
• stiff neck
• dislike of bright lights
• being very sleepy or difficult to wake
• fits (seizures)