Important patient information

Meningitis B outbreak and antibiotics

You may have seen recent news about a small outbreak of a penicillin‑resistant strain of Meningitis B linked to the University of Kent. We understand that this may be worrying, and we want to reassure you about what this means and what to do if you have concerns.

Public Health Teams will contact anyone who needs antibiotics

If you are someone who needs preventive antibiotics because you were in close contact with a confirmed case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will contact you directly.

You do not need to contact the practice to request antibiotics.

If You haven’t been contacted

If you have not been contacted by UKHSA or your local Health Protection Team, it is very unlikely that you need antibiotics or any further action.

When to contact the practice

Please contact us in the usual way if:

• You are clinically unwell, or
• You have symptoms that could indicate meningitis, such as:
  • Fever
  • Severe headache
  • Rash
  • Stiff neck
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Drowsiness or confusion

If you are seriously unwell, please seek urgent medical help immediately.

This situation is being managed through a coordinated public health response. Our practice is here to support you if you are unwell, but UKHSA is leading the process of identifying contacts and arranging preventive antibiotics. This ensures that care is provided quickly, accurately, and safely to those who need it.

Thank you for your understanding.

More information on meningitis on the NHS website

Published: Mar 20, 2026