HSE Monitoring Serious Meningococcal Outbreak in Kent as Irish Cases Remain at Normal Levels

The Health Service Executive has confirmed it is in regular contact with UK health authorities as a serious meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent continues to develop, with 27 cases now recorded and two young people dead.

As of 5pm on 18 March, 15 cases have been laboratory confirmed and a further 12 notifications remain under investigation. All confirmed cases linked to the outbreak so far involve young adults, with six confirmed as group B meningococcal disease. The UK Health Security Agency has warned the situation is still evolving and further cases are possible.

The HSE has moved quickly to reassure the public in Ireland that the domestic picture remains stable. Dr John Cuddihy, HSE National Director for Public Health, said:

"There is no evidence of an increase in invasive meningococcal disease activity in Ireland beyond expected seasonal and background levels. There is also currently no indication of links between any cases in Ireland and the outbreak reported in Kent. In 2026 to date, there have been 12 cases of meningococcal disease reported in Ireland with no deaths reported. Of the 12 cases, 9 cases were Serogroup B. Last year there were 60 meningococcal cases reported in Ireland, of which 38 were Serogroup B cases. In 2024, 66 cases were reported with 42 of those cases reported as Serogroup B. Routine surveillance in Ireland continues to show that meningococcal disease remains a rare but serious infection, with sporadic cases occurring each year."

Dr Cuddihy urged the public to act without delay if symptoms appear:

"Meningococcal disease can affect people of any age, but it is most common in babies, young children, and to a lesser extent teenagers and young adults. In countries with climates like Ireland, cases tend to rise during the winter and early spring months. Individuals with meningococcal disease can deteriorate rapidly. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, rapid breathing, cold hands and feet, drowsiness, or a rash that doesn't fade under pressure. Do not wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately. Call 112 or 999 for an ambulance immediately or go to your nearest emergency department (ED) or ED for children if you think that you or your child is seriously ill."

Vaccines are available against meningococcal types A, B, C, W and Y. Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of the HSE's National Immunisation Office, confirmed that the MenB vaccine has been part of the free national childhood immunisation schedule since 1 October 2016, administered in three doses at 2, 4 and 12 months. Men C vaccine is also offered to babies through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme.

Dr Jessop added:

"The MenACWY vaccine is offered in the first year of secondary school and protects against other meningococcal strains (A, C, W and Y). The HSE school immunisation teams are currently giving this vaccine in schools across the country. Parents are advised to look out for the consent form in their children's school bag and make sure it is returned so that their children can be protected."

Parents and guardians seeking information about the schools immunisation programme in their area can contact a local immunisation officer via the HSE website.