The latest statistics from UKHSA show there were 378 cases of IMD in 2024/25, compared to 340 in 2023/24.
The figures also reveal that cases of MenB, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, have also risen. There were 313 cases compared to 301 in the previous year.
Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now, said
"These figures are deeply worrying. Meningitis can affect anyone at any time, but these increases among teenagers, young adults, and babies – some of the most vulnerable groups – show just how vital it is to stay vigilant. Early recognition saves lives, but prevention through vaccines remains the most effective way to protect against this devastating disease." Dr Nutt added, "While there has been a drop in meningitis cases over the past decade, these new figures underline why our work, raising awareness, supporting families, and pushing for prevention is as important as ever."
Meningitis Now is urging people to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis, and to check whether they and their loved ones are up to date with vaccinations, including the MenACWY jab, as well as the MenB vaccination which is available for infants on the NHS, and privately from pharmacies.
Meningitis can be fatal within hours of infection. One in ten people who contract bacterial meningitis will die, leaving their families coping with the heartbreak of losing a loved one. Between 30% and 50% of those who survive bacterial meningitis will be left with long-term after-effects, including hearing loss, acquired brain injury, epilepsy, chronic pain, vision problems and amputations.
Meningitis Now is the UK’s leading meningitis charity, founded 39 years ago by families who had experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to the disease.
The charity provides one-to-one support, grants, and a free nurse-led helpline to make sure no family faces the impact of meningitis alone.
Earlier this year, Meningitis Now launched a campaign to tackle cases of MenB among young people.
The charity says there are effective, life-saving vaccines against MenB, but they are not currently offered to teens, who are at increased risk of the disease. Meningitis Now’s campaign called “No Plan B for MenB” sets out the changes it would like to see, including:
- The MenB vaccination to be given to all those at most risk of disease.
- A MenB booster programme to protect adolescents from 2030.
- Availability of the MenB vaccination on the high street at a fair price.
You can find out more about the No Plan B for MenB campaign here.
