HSE confirms case of meningitis at UCC — no known link to UK outbreak

The HSE has confirmed that a single case of bacterial meningitis was reported two weeks ago in University College Cork, but said there is no known link with the UK outbreak reported in Kent.

The UCC case was diagnosed as meningococcal disease, subsequently identified as serotype B, known as MenB, in the week beginning March 9.

The affected person has recovered well, the HSE said, and no further cases of meningitis have been reported since.

It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said the Kent outbreak, which included 29 confirmed or suspected cases of MenB and killed two people, has passed its peak.

A HSE spokesperson said contact tracing was conducted on the UCC case, and no link to the outbreak in Kent was found. 

Antibiotics were prescribed for close contacts, with follow-up MenB vaccinations.

“There is no evidence of an increase in invasive meningococcal disease activity in Ireland beyond expected seasonal and background levels,” the spokesperson said.

“There is also currently no indication of links between any cases in Ireland and the outbreak reported in Kent.” 

A UCC spokesperson confirmed it had been informed on March 11 that a student had been diagnosed with meningitis.

In 2026, to date, there have been 12 cases of meningitis in Ireland, with no deaths reported. 

Of the 12 cases, nine were MenB.

In HSE South-West, which covers Cork and Kerry, a total of four confirmed cases of MenB were notified so far in 2026.

Meningitis can affect people of any age, but it is most common in babies, children, and to a lesser extent teenagers and young adults.

Symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, rapid breathing, cold hands and feet, drowsiness, or a rash that does not fade under pressure.

The HSE has warned: “Do not wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.

“Call 112 or 999 for an ambulance immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.”