Dr Amir Khan shared some of the ‘initial’ signs of meningitis to spot (Image: Getty)
A doctor has shared some of the “initial” symptoms of a potentially fatal disease to spot amid an outbreak in the UK. Two people have died of meningitis, and several others are known to be seriously ill in the Canterbury area of Kent.
Meningitis is an infection affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
Although it can affect anyone, it’s most prevalent among babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Without swift treatment, meningitis can prove extremely serious. It can trigger life-threatening sepsis and lead to permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Doctor Amir Khan shared some of the early warning signs of infection to look for. He said: “So initially, meningitis can present like a flu-like illness.”
He listed three signs to be wary of:
- A high temperature
- Shivering
- Joint aches
You might also experience a headache. Dr Amir continued: “It can progress to a headache as well. That’s when the bacteria can infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord.”
If this occurs, the infected person might then experience neck stiffness and photophobia (intolerance or sensitivity to light). “That can cause neck stiffness and photophobia,” he said.
“And as it spreads into the blood, and causing that septicaemia, that’s when we see that typical rash, that purple-red rash, that doesn’t blanch under pressure.”
To test this rash, you can press a clear glass firmly against it. If the red/purple spots do not fade (non-blanching), it is a medical emergency requiring immediate 999 or A&E assistance.
Dr Amir added: “However, those are the typical symptoms and it can vary from person to person. So, if you’re feeling unwell, you’ve got a headache, particularly if you live in that area [Kent], do seek medical advice urgently because this disease does spread quite rapidly through the body.”
As of 5pm on March 16, 2026, the UK Health Security Agency said it had been notified of 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease with epidemiological links to Canterbury. Officials say all cases have been hospitalised.
The UKHSA said: “Four of these cases have laboratory confirmation of meningococcal B infections. There have been two deaths.”
Symptoms of meningitis
According to the NHS website, symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
- A high temperature (fever)
- Being sick
- A headache
- A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- A stiff neck
- A dislike of bright lights
- Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- Seizures (fits)
The NHS warns: “These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.”
Read more: Race to stop deadly ‘invasive’ disease spreading with London at risk
Read more: Huge meningitis update as strain of deadly disease that killed two confirmed
When to get medical help
You should call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E “immediately” if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. The NHS says: “Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
“Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.”
How meningitis is spread
Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:
The NHS explains: “Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.”
Outlook
Viral meningitis will “usually get better on its own” and rarely causes any long-term problems. However, bacterial meningitis, which is linked to the outbreak in Kent, can be more serious.
Although people who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, some are left with serious long-term problems.
- Hearing loss or vision loss, which may be partial or total
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Recurrent seizures (epilepsy)
- Co-ordination, movement and balance problems
- Loss of limbs – amputation of affected limbs is sometimes necessary
It’s estimated that up to one in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
