RCGP statement on meningitis outbreak

Professor Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “Our thoughts are with the patients and families affected by the meningitis outbreak in Kent, and the healthcare teams responding to what will be a deeply worrying situation. We know UKHSA teams are on the ground in the area and are doing everything they can to contain the situation, as much as possible. GP teams in the area will also be working hard to support concerned patients and families, and practices more widely will be preparing for an increase in people seeking advice about the condition, and ensuring they are ready to assess and direct patients who may present with symptoms of meningitis or meningococcal sepsis. 

“Whilst meningitis is rare – the current outbreak is unusual - it can become very serious very quickly, so it is important that young people, parents and schools are aware of the early symptoms and do not dismiss them as flu, a hangover or another minor illness. The key is to look for whether someone is deteriorating quickly or appears much more unwell than you would normally expect.   

“Symptoms can include a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, drowsiness, rapid breathing and in some cases a rash that does not fade under pressure. Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, and they can appear in any combination. People should be particularly concerned if someone is very difficult to wake or appears extremely confused. In these circumstances, urgent medical care should be sought without delay.   

“It’s important to remember that many common illnesses can cause similar symptoms, and most people with a fever or headache will not have meningitis. But if there is concern that someone is experiencing any of the symptoms, it is always best to get advice promptly through NHS 111, a GP practice - or 999 or A&E in an emergency.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.