In the news: a meningitis B outbreak in Kent. Dr Susan Hopkins, Irish epidemiologist and UKHSA chief medical adviser, is fronting the response.
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.