Student dies of meningitis in Reading following recent outbreak in Kent
Two other young people are being treated
Last updated 15th May 2026
A student at Henley College in Reading has died after an outbreak of meningitis, two other young people are being treated.
One of the cases has been confirmed as Meninigitis B although it is understood that the most recent case in Berkshire is not the same strain of MenB linked to the outbreaks in Kent in March.
The UK health security agency say close contacts of the cases are being offered antibiotics as a precaution. Information has been shared with students and parents at all affected schools about the signs and symptoms of meningitis. They say the risk to the wider public remains low.
Dr Rachel Mearkle, consultant in health protection, said: “We understand that many people will be affected by this sad news and would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of this student.
“Students and staff will naturally be feeling worried about the likelihood of further cases, however meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread and large outbreaks as we saw in Kent recently, are thankfully rare.
“We are working closely with partners and have provided public health advice and precautionary antibiotic treatment to close contacts of the cases. Meningococcal disease does not spread easily and the risk to the wider public remains low.
“Anyone can get meningitis, and around 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England every year. It’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It needs to be treated quickly so it is important to know the signs and symptoms. They can appear in any order and may not all be present, so seek rapid medical attention if there is ever any concern.
“Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and sepsis can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Sepsis can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.”
Yesterday the Henley college death was confirmed in a statement from the Hart GP surgery which is situated close to the college. A message to patients said:
"We have been in contact with the UK Health Security Agency this morning (14th May) regarding the very sad news that a student at Henley College has died with suspected meningococcal disease.
"They have confirmed that they are actively contacting those who may be at risk due to a close association with the student involved. If you have not been contacted by The UK Health Security Agency, then currently you do not require any treatment. Staff and students have been advised they can attend the college as usual.
"The number of confirmed cases is very low so there are currently no plans for a local emergency meningitis vaccination programme."
University of Reading issues statement
Dr Paddy Woodman, director of student services at the University of Reading, said: “While there are no reported cases among University of Reading students, I know that our students, staff and family members may be concerned.
“We will be contacting students to remind them of existing information about looking out for signs of meningitis, and the importance of acting immediately on any worrying symptoms, as well as checking their vaccination status.”