Advice and reassurance following meningitis cases in Reading

You may be aware that three cases of meningitis B have been reported in Reading. One young person has sadly died, and two others are receiving treatment. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected.

A fourth case has now been confirmed (19 May) and is linked to the same wider social network as the other 3 cases. The individual is recovering well and antibiotics have been given to close contacts.

These cases appear to be linked through close social contact. The overall risk to the wider local population remains low at present. Meningitis B does not spread easily.

We are working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS partners to manage the situation. UKHSA is leading the outbreak response. They are identifying close contacts and offering preventative antibiotics to them as a precaution.

If you are worried, please visit one of the websites below, which explain how to spot the signs and symptoms, and what to do if you are worried about yourself or someone you know.

Is my child at risk at school?

The risk to the general school population is low. Meningitis B does not spread easily and requires close contact. Students can, and should, continue to go to school and college as normal.

Why are some students being given antibiotics?

Antibiotics (chemoproplylaxis) are offered to people who have had close contact with a someone who has meningitis B. This reduces the risk of infection and passing it on.

My child has been given antibiotics, is there anything I need to know?

Antibiotics (chemoprophylaxis) are safe and widely used for this purpose. They can cause side effects which are usually mild and short lived.

Your child can continue attending school while taking the antibiotic.

If your child develops any symptoms of meningitis, even after taking antibiotics – seek urgent medical attention and mention that they have been identified as a close contact.

What is a close contact?

Close contacts are those with prolonged or high-risk exposure during the 7 days before onset of illness, typically:

  • Household members
  • People sharing sleeping accommodation
  • Intimate partners (e.g. kissing)
  • In some circumstances, very close social groups with repeated contact

 Casual contact (e.g. being in the same classroom) is not considered close contact.

Why isn’t everyone in the schools being given antibiotics?

  • Meningococcal bacteria do not spread easily
  • Antibiotics are recommended according to evidence based national guidance
  • Offering antibiotics more widely is not recommended because they:
    • kill 'good' bacteria
    • can contribute to antibiotic resistance
    • may cause unnecessary side effects

 National UKHSA guidance supports a targeted approach only at the current time.

Who is eligible for preventative MenB vaccination following the cluster of meningitis cases in Reading?

  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently recommending MenB vaccination only for a small group of people who are thought to be more at risk and they will be contacted directly through their school or college
  • If you are not offered the vaccine, you should not be concerned: the risk to the wider public remains low.
  • The MenB bacterium is not as contagious as infections such as measles or COVID-19, and transmission requires close and prolonged contact - such as living in the same household or intimate contact like kissing.
  • Meningitis has many causes. If you are not eligible for the MenB vaccine, you should still make sure you are up to date with the MMR and MenACWY vaccines, which help protect against future outbreaks.
  • The MenACWY vaccine is offered in school, usually in Year 9. If you have missed it in school, you can get a free catch-up vaccine from your GP surgery.

Why aren’t schools closing or cancelling activities?

  • There is no evidence this would reduce risk
  • Transmission requires close or prolonged contact
  • Schools can remain open safely if they stay alert and act promptly if symptoms develop
Last updated on 15/05/2026