The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 18) is following up with the health authority in the United Kingdom (UK) about an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent, the UK. The cluster involves 20 patients (as at 5pm, March 17, local time), two of whom have died, and some of the cases were confirmed to be infected by Group B meningococcus. The CHP reminds the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting invasive meningococcal disease.
      
     Epidemiological investigations by the local health authority revealed that all those affected are young adults; some of them visited a local nightclub called "Club Chemistry" between March 5 and 7. The local health authority is conducting contact tracing and has provided preventive drugs to over 2 500 persons who visited the nightclub during the period and to those who were close contacts of the cases. Since some of the patients are students at the University of Kent, the university has also collaborated with the UK health authority to provide health advice and conduct contact tracing among its staff and students, as well as offering vaccinations to students who reside in campus halls.
      
     The CHP has enquired with the UK health authority whether any persons who visited the nightclub during the relevant period were students from Hong Kong. No notification has been received so far. The CHP will maintain close liaison with the UK health authority to obtain the latest information.
 
     Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease in Hong Kong. The CHP has recorded three cases this year so far, all of which are sporadic. A total of 11 cases were recorded last year.
      
     "According to overseas literature, there is a higher risk of transmission or outbreak of meningococcal infection in crowded settings including university or staff dormitories. The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the CHP last year reviewed the local epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease, the recommendations of the World Health Organization and overseas practices. In light of the very low invasive meningococcal disease incidence in Hong Kong, the SCVPD did not recommend introducing universal meningococcal vaccination into the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme from the public health perspective. However, the SCVPD recommended high-risk individuals, including long-term travellers and those studying abroad, receive meningococcal vaccinations per the recommendations by the health authorities in the destination country to safeguard personal health," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
      
     Dr Tsui added that with the Easter holidays approaching, overseas students may return to Hong Kong. He reminded members of the public to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they develop symptoms of meningococcal infection. Travellers should seek professional advice from doctors for meningococcal vaccination. Doctors will take into account their age, health conditions, and details of their journeys (including destination, duration and activities) when giving vaccination advice.
 
     Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis). Meningococcaemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or rash; it can cause brain damage or even death.

     To prevent meningococcal infection, Dr Tsui urged members of the public to take the following measures:

• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly, especially when they are soiled by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing, and clean hands with alcohol-based handrub when they are not visibly soiled;
• Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, hold the saliva with a tissue, dispose of nasal and mouth discharge in a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands immediately;
• Avoid crowded places;
• Avoid close contact with patients who have a fever or severe headache;
• Consult doctors about meningococcal vaccination before travelling to high-risk areas; and
• Seek medical advice if you become ill after returning from high-risk areas, and discuss your recent travel history with your doctor.

 
     The CHP will continue to monitor the situation to safeguard public health and the well-being of citizens. The public may also visit the CHP's website for more information on meningococcal infection.

Ends/Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:10

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