Meningitis B Outbreak Hits Weymouth Schools in Dorset

Three confirmed cases of meningitis B have been identified among young people in Weymouth, Dorset, prompting public health officials to offer antibiotics and vaccination to hundreds of students as a precautionary measure.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the cases occurred between 20 March and 15 April 2026, with two pupils from Budmouth Academy and one from Wey Valley Academy affected. All three individuals have received treatment and are recovering well.

we will see further cases linked to these latest cases in Weymouth and we understand that there will be concern among students, staff, parents and the local community as we widen our offer of antibiotics and vaccination.

Dr Beth Smout, UKHSA Deputy Director

The cases have been confirmed as meningitis B (MenB) and are of the same sub-strain type, though different from the strain recently detected in Kent. While there is no confirmed epidemiological link between the Budmouth Academy cases and the case at Wey Valley Academy, health officials note this may suggest wider transmission among young people in the area.

As a precaution, close contacts of the confirmed cases have already been offered antibiotics. UKHSA is working with Dorset Council, the NHS and local partners to offer antibiotics and the MenB vaccination to all school pupils and staff in years 7 to 13 across Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell who remain well.

I’d like to stress that this is an additional precaution, and that we’re following national guidelines to reduce the risk of the infection spreading. School pupils and staff should attend school as normal if they remain well.

Dr Beth Smout, UKHSA Deputy Director

Around 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England each year. Health officials have shared information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis with students and parents at both schools to support early recognition and prompt medical attention.

The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation and emphasizes that meningococcal disease does not spread easily, with outbreaks like those seen recently in Kent being rare. Further updates will be provided as the public health response progresses.