Meningitis cases linked to Kent outbreak fall after additional testing | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSummer WoolleySunday 22 March 2026 10:02 GMTMeningitis: ‘Sporadic’ household clusters could appear elsewhere in UKThe number of meningitis cases linked to an outbreak in Kent has decreased after some initially confirmed cases were reclassified following further tests.As of 21 March, there are 20 confirmed cases and nine suspected cases under investigation, bringing the total to 29.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that cases were reclassified based on additional laboratory results and clinical investigation.The UKHSA expects more probable cases to be downgraded in the coming days as further laboratory assessments are completed.Dr Sherine Thomas of UKHSA highlighted ongoing vigilance, the importance of knowing symptoms, and seeking immediate medical attention, while reassuring the public that the risk to the wider population remains low.In fullMeningitis B latest: Cases rise again as 8,000 vaccines given out after students queue for third dayThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in