UK health agency warns of rising meningitis threat among young people

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

Children and young adults, particularly university students, face an increased risk of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned on Thursday, following a nationwide rise in confirmed cases.

UKHSA figures show 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) were recorded in 2024-25, up from 340 the previous year. Most infections involved children and young adults, with the MenB strain responsible for 90 percent of cases in babies and all cases among 15-to-19-year-olds.

Health officials cautioned that students starting university are especially vulnerable due to close contact and communal living. Declining vaccination rates among infants and teenagers have further heightened the risk.

"These latest figures are a stark reminder meningitis remains a serious threat to children and young adults," said Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton, urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated. She added that prompt immunization "offers crucial protection against this devastating disease, which can take hold in a matter of hours."

Symptoms include high fever, vomiting, muscle pain, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and a rash. Authorities stressed that vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe illness and death.