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The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Mrs Sharon Hodgson)
I am updating the House on the recent cases of meningococcal disease in Dorset.
As of 9 am on 21 April, the UK Health Security Agency has confirmed three cases of meningococcal disease among young people in Weymouth, Dorset. These three cases have been confirmed as meningitis B and are the same sub-strain serotype P1.19, P1.15. UKHSA has confirmed that these cases are not linked to the recent outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent. The onset dates of these cases were between 17 March and 12 April. Close contacts of the patients were offered antibiotics as a precaution.
Two of the cases attend Budmouth academy but are in different year groups and are contacts of each other via a social network not related to the school. Currently no confirmed epidemiological link has been made between these two cases and the third individual who attends Wey Valley academy. This may mean that this strain of menB bacteria is transmitting more widely among young people in Weymouth. Due to this, and as a precautionary measure, antibiotics and the Bexsero vaccine are being offered to young people currently in school years 7 to 13 (or equivalent in terms of age), or anyone not in full-time education who would be in one of these year groups, who study or live in the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas of Dorset. UKHSA and Dorset council have issued advice to staff, parents and carers at all educational settings in the area.
A single dose of antibiotics is effective at reducing transmission. UKHSA has currently deployed 6,500 doses of stockpiled antibiotics to the local area. The roll-out began on Saturday 18 April 2026, initially for pupils who attend Budmouth academy and Wey Valley schools, as the cases attend these settings. Pupils that attend other schools and colleges and other eligible children and young people in Weymouth who do not attend education settings will be invited to receive antibiotics and vaccination over the course of this week.
As of 5 pm on 20 April, antibiotics have been given to 2,226 individuals.
We are not recommending any precautionary measures for schools or other educational settings in Dorset outside of the Weymouth area at this time as the risk to others is very small.
This response is in line with UKHSA guidance on meningitis and is being rapidly co-ordinated and delivered by UKHSA, Dorset council, the NHS, the Department for Education and local education settings.
UKHSA is providing support to education settings, in close partnership with the Department for Education. All affected education settings in Weymouth remain open and events involving children and young people should continue as normal. UKHSA has published up-to-date information to ensure parents and concerned members of the public can find the latest information on how the incident is being managed and who can access antibiotics and vaccines: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/antibiotics-and-menb-vaccination-to-be-offered-to-young-people-in-dorset
Children and young people should attend their education setting normally, unless specifically told otherwise by a health professional. Attendance supports the education, health and wellbeing of children and young people.
As the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care told the House on 17 March in the context of the recent meningococcal disease outbreak in Kent, I have asked the Joint Committee on Vaccinations to re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines to assess, for example, an expanded offer to older children and/or young adults. JCVI will provide updated advice to the Department this summer around whether, and to what extent, a vaccine programme for older children and/or young adults would be clinically effective as well as an assessment of the cost effectiveness of such a vaccination programme.
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness that can cause meningitis—an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain—and sepsis (blood poisoning). Symptoms include a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass, sudden high fever, severe or worsening headache, stiff neck, vomiting or diarrhoea, joint or muscle pain, dislike of bright lights, cold hands and feet, seizures, confusion or delirium, and sleepiness or difficulty waking. The onset can be extremely rapid. Anyone experiencing symptoms should urgently seek medical attention. Early treatment saves lives.
Around 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England every year. It is important for teenagers not only to take up the MenACWY vaccine routinely offered by the NHS, but also to be aware that this vaccine does not protect against menB, which is why knowing the symptoms and seeking early treatment is so important. It is important that those who are eligible for antibiotics and vaccinations do come forward and take up the offer, as this will help to reduce the risk of more young people becoming unwell.
I want to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe: the UKHSA, the Department for Education, Dorset Council and public health officials working to contain the outbreak; the NHS teams administering antibiotics and vaccines, and those who have cared for young patients in hospital; the school staff keeping students and parents informed, helping young people through this outbreak, and keeping their education going; and the thousands of students, pupils, and other members of the public who have so readily and responsibly come forward for antibiotics.
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