The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has sounded the alarm over a concerning increase in cases of a rapidly advancing disease. Recent data highlights the vulnerability of children and young adults, particularly those attending university, to meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

Though these diseases are infrequent, the consequences can be severe, life-altering, and at times, lethal, according to the UKHSA. On Friday, the agency reported that 378 instances of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) have been confirmed for the 2024-25 period.

Newly released figures from the UKHSA reveal that Meningitis B is responsible for a significant 82.6% of these cases, translating to 313 out of the total 378 cases. This is followed by the MenW strain at 11.3% (43 cases), MenY at 3.4% (13 cases), and MenC at 0.8%. While IMD cases plunged during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have since begun to rise again. Notably, the number of MenB cases was higher last year compared to 2023/2024.

A decline in vaccination rates among infants and teenagers has heightened the risk of exposure to these preventable diseases. The latest quarterly figures show a slight decrease in the uptake of the MenB vaccine at 12 months, now at 91.4%, down by 0.3 percentage points.

For Year 9 students, MenACWY vaccine coverage reached 72.1% during the 2023/24 academic year. Although this reflects a 3.5 percentage point increase from 2022/2023, it remains below the pre-pandemic coverage of 88.0% recorded in 2018/2019.

In response, the UKHSA emphasizes the availability of two key vaccines to combat the major strains of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The MenB vaccine is part of the NHS routine immunization schedule for infants at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year. Meanwhile, the MenACWY vaccine, which guards against four different strains, is typically administered to teenagers in Year 9, when they are 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.

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia

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)