Meningitis has been back in the headlines this year following an outbreak of meningococcal group B disease linked to Kent, which sadly resulted in two deaths. It’s a useful reminder that meningitis hasn’t gone away, and that knowing the signs can make the difference between a full recovery and a life-changing outcome.
This article sets out the facts: what Meningitis B is, how to spot it, and how it spreads.
What Is Meningitis B?
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. There are several strains — A, B, C, W, X and Y are the main ones seen worldwide — and in the UK, group B (MenB) is responsible for around 9 in every 10 meningococcal infections.
The bacteria can cause two distinct but related illnesses:
- Meningitis — inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord
- Septicaemia (sepsis) — blood poisoning, which can occur alongside meningitis or on its own
Both are serious. Onset can be sudden, and someone who seems only mildly unwell can deteriorate within hours.
What Are the Symptoms?
This is the part worth committing to memory, because symptoms don’t always appear in the same order, and not every symptom will show up in every case. Early signs can easily be mistaken for flu, a stomach bug, or even a hangover, which is part of what makes this disease so dangerous.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- A high temperature (fever)
- Vomiting
- A severe headache that keeps getting worse
- A stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights (photophobia)
- Very cold hands and feet
- Joint and muscle pain
- Confusion or drowsiness, or being difficult to wake
- Seizures
- A rash of red or purple spots or blotches that doesn’t fade under pressure
Babies and very young children may show different signs, such as refusing feeds, a high-pitched or unusual cry, a bulging soft spot on the head, or being unusually floppy or stiff.
The glass test. If a rash appears, press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin. If the marks don’t fade and you can still see them through the glass, this can be a sign of sepsis and needs urgent medical attention. Importantly, the rash is often one of the last things to appear, and in some cases it never develops at all — so don’t wait for it before seeking help. On darker skin, the rash can be harder to spot; check paler areas such as the palms, soles of the feet, or inside the eyelids.
If you or anyone you know shows these symptoms, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Trust your instincts rather than waiting to see if things “settle down” — they often don’t.
How Is It Spread?
The bacteria that cause MenB live naturally in the back of the nose and throat in a proportion of the population without causing any illness — this is known as being a “carrier.” Most people who carry the bacteria never become ill themselves.
Transmission requires close and prolonged contact. This includes:
- Living in the same household
- Coughing, sneezing or kissing
- Sharing drinks, vapes, or cigarettes
It isn’t spread through brief, casual contact in the way a cold or flu virus might be. This is why outbreaks tend to cluster in settings where people live closely together for extended periods — university halls of residence, military barracks, or large households — rather than spreading widely through the general population.
The Bottom Line
Meningococcal disease is rare, but it can move fast and hit hard. The single most useful thing anyone can do is recognise the early warning signs and act on instinct rather than waiting for textbook symptoms to line up. Early treatment saves lives and prevents complications.
If this kind of public health preparedness interests you, it’s worth browsing the rest of the site, where we cover everything from outbreak history to the practical steps for staying ready when things go wrong. Get The Book – Preparing for Lockdown