Public Health Advice - Meningitis Outbreak in Kent

Dear All,

I’m writing to make you aware of the reported meningitis outbreak in Kent and the public health advice that has just been issued by the Health Secretary.

While we should avoid alarm, we do need to be proactive. Please share the information below with District Teams, Group Lead Volunteers and Section Teams, and ensure your local plans reflect this guidance.

Scout activities can continue as planned unless advice from local public health teams indicate otherwise.

Anyone who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5th, 6th or 7th March 2026, and anyone who believes they were in close contact with someone who’s confirmed or suspected to have meningitis, should attend a treatment centre and receive antibiotics. Details about the location of the centres offering antibiotics are available on the UKHSA website.

Further information about the outbreak can be found here.

Please avoid speculative posts on social media. If parents/carers ask questions, signpost to official public health channels, this email and reassure them we’re following guidance.

If you become aware of a suspected or confirmed case linked to a Scout activity, or if a local area receives specific instructions, please notify me and the UK Safety Team immediately. The UK Safety Team can be contacted via email at: safety@scouts.org.uk

Thank you for your calm leadership and for helping ensure our young people and adult volunteers stay safe.

Kind regards,

Nirav

County Lead Volunteer