25/03/2026
Recent reports of a Meningitis B (MenB) outbreak in the UK, including cases among teenagers and university students, has highlighted the risks of this rapidly progressive and potentially fatal infection.
MenB remains the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, particularly affecting infants, teenagers, and young adults.
Reading the headlines about the superspreader event at Club Chemistry, it is understandable that many people feel anxious about such an outbreak. In Scotland however, the risk does remain low; cases so far are within expected levels and there is no indication any cases in Scotland are linked to the Kent outbreak. The situation remains under review, but currently Public Health Scotland does not advise of any increased risk to people in Scotland and there are no recommended changes to the vaccination program or advice.
In this recent article Dr David Richardson provides some useful information on meningitis and the vaccination program https://www.edinburghgp.co.uk/meningitis-b-outbreak/