Health officials and the government have issued new medical guidance to schools in Folkestone, Kent, following a cluster of meningitis cases across the county. The UK Health Security Agency and the Department for Education are working with local schools like St Martin’s Church of England Primary School to help parents spot early signs of the illness.
As of 19 March 2026, there are 27 confirmed or suspected cases of the disease being investigated by health experts. Most of these cases are linked to people who visited Club Chemistry, a nightclub in Canterbury, between 5 March and 7 March 2026.
Official government guidance shows that more than 2,500 doses of preventative antibiotics have already been given to people who were in close contact with those who fell ill. Two people have died during this outbreak, and health officials are now focused on finding and treating any further infections as quickly as possible.
Parents in the area are being asked to stay alert for symptoms of meningitis and blood poisoning, though the advice for primary schools is a safety precaution. Health teams have confirmed that children should continue to go to school as usual unless they have been personally contacted and told to stay home.
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