⚠️ Important: Meningitis Alert (March 2026)
We want to let patients know about a recent increase in cases of meningitis linked to people who visited the Canterbury area.
Although this is not local to Scarborough, some people may have travelled back home.
It’s important to know the symptoms and what to do.
🦠 What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious infection that can affect the brain and blood.
It is rare, but it can become very serious very quickly.
🚨 Symptoms – when to act fast
Get urgent medical help (call 999 or go to A&E) if you or someone else has:
- A high temperature (fever)
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
- Feeling very drowsy or confused
- Cold hands and feet, limb pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Stiff neck
👉 Trust your instincts — if someone seems seriously unwell, don’t wait.
💊 Do I need antibiotics?
You only need preventative antibiotics if you’ve had close contact with someone who has meningitis.
This includes:
- Living in the same household
- Very close or intimate contact (e.g. kissing)
- If this applies to you and you haven’t already been contacted, please get in touch with us.
💉 What about vaccines?
Teenagers are routinely offered a meningitis vaccine (MenACWY)
This protects against some types, but not all
So it’s still important to know the symptoms.
🧼 How to reduce risk
- Wash your hands regularly
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid close contact if you feel unwell
📞 When to contact us
Contact the GP if:
- You think you’ve been in close contact with a case
- You want advice and it’s not urgent
🚨 For serious symptoms, call 999 or go straight to A&E
✔️ Key message
Meningitis is rare, but serious.
Acting quickly can save lives