Public Health England is back in the headlines as UK measles outbreaks surge and a meningitis B case triggers scrutiny over reporting. PHE, formed in 2013 from NHS reorg, audits public health efforts.
As of March 27, 2026, a meningitis B outbreak linked to a 'super-spreader' event at Canterbury's Club Chemistry nightclub has resulted in at least 29 confirmed and suspected cases, including two deaths. The infection has spread to multiple universities and schools in Kent and one case in London. Authorities have launched targeted vaccination and antibiotic treatment campaigns to contain the outbreak.