Two People Dead, Meningitis Cases Rise in Britain

Illustration of a meningitis sufferer (doc. Pexels/Kaboompics).

JAKARTA - Meningitis cases are increasing in England today. There are two people who died and infected at least 20 people in a short time.

The incident occurred in Kent, southeast England. Most of the cases involved students, quoted from the Mirror, Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Local health authorities found that some cases were related to activities at a nightclub in Canterbury. At least 10 cases are known to have links to the venue.

Meningitis transmission occurs through close contact, such as sharing drinks, kissing, or living together in one place. Dr. Eliza Gil from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said that meningitis bacteria can indeed live in the throat and easily spread in crowded environments.

"Students often interact at close range, both during study and in daily life," said Eliza.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective layer of the brain and spinal cord. This disease can develop quickly and can be fatal if not treated properly.

In his current caseload in Kent, some of the infections are meningitis B, a fairly common type. However, this type is still dangerous and should not be taken lightly.

The initial symptoms of meningitis are often similar to the flu, so it is difficult for patients to realize it. Starting from fever, headache, vomiting, rapid breathing, body chills, stiff neck, and light sensitivity. In certain conditions, a rash can appear that does not disappear when pressed.

With the high risk of transmission, the British government is currently tracking contacts and providing antibiotics to people at risk.

The British Health Minister, Wes Streeting, said that antibiotics are effective in about 90 percent of cases as a preventive measure. The meningitis B vaccine has also begun to be given to thousands of students at the University of Kent, to help control the outbreak.