Nine meningitis B cases confirmed in Ireland; HSE says ‘no evidence of increase or link’ to Kent outbreak

There were 42 cases of meningitis B in 2024.

The B strain has been implicated in at least six of the infections at the centre of an “explosive” outbreak of meningitis in Kent in England which has led to two student deaths, leading to a roll out of vaccines and antibiotics to local college students.

The number of cases in the Kent region rose to 27 today with an infected person in London found to the directly linked to the outbreak in Kent.

Dr John Cuddihy, HSE National Director for Public Health, said today that in Ireland “there is no evidence of an increase in invasive meningococcal disease activity beyond expected seasonal and background levels”.

“There is also currently no indication of links between any cases in Ireland and the outbreak reported in Kent. In 2026 to date, there have been 12 cases of meningococcal disease reported in Ireland with no deaths reported

“Of the 12 cases, 9 cases were Serogroup B. Last year, there were 60 meningococcal cases reported in Ireland, of which 38 were Serogroup B cases. In 2024, 66 cases were reported with 42 of those cases reported as Serogroup B.

“Routine surveillance in Ireland continues to show that meningococcal disease remains a rare but serious infection, with sporadic cases occurring each year.”

Dr Lucy Jessop, director of the HSE’s National Immunisation Office, said the MenB vaccine has been part of the free national childhood immunisation schedule for babies born from 1 October 2016 onwards.

“It is given over three doses at two, four and 12 months. Meningococcal type B disease is most common in babies under the age of one and the scheduling of the administration of the vaccine under the immunisation programme takes account of this.”

She confirmed there is currently no catch-up Men B vaccine programme for older children.

In Ireland, teenagers and students were not vaccinated although it is available for around €300 from GPs.

The HSE said that meningococcal disease can affect people of any age, but it is most common in babies, young children, and to a lesser extent teenagers and young adults. In countries with climates like Ireland, cases tend to rise during the winter and early spring months

“Individuals with meningococcal disease can deteriorate rapidly. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, rapid breathing, cold hands and feet, drowsiness, or a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure. Do not wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately. Call 112 or 999 for an ambulance immediately or go to your nearest emergency department (ED) or ED for children if you think that you or your child is seriously ill.”

The MenACWY vaccine is offered in the first year of secondary school and protects against other meningococcal strains .