Health protection
What is health protection?
Health protection practice aims to prevent, assess, and mitigate risks and threats to human health arising from communicable diseases and exposure to environmental hazards. Health protection is dynamic and responsive to the current health needs of the population.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for protecting the public from the impact of infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents and other health threats.
Whilst the UKHSA has a duty to deliver the specialist health protection response, local authorities have a critical role in protecting the health of their population, both in terms of planning to prevent threats arising, and in ensuring appropriate responses to incidents and outbreaks.
The effective delivery of local health protection services requires close partnership working between the UKHSA, the NHS, local government, and other key partners.
In the first instance, report outbreaks or notifiable diseases to the UKHSA Sussex and Surrey local health protection team:
Email: SE.AcuteResponse@ukhsa.gov.uk
Phone: 0344 225 3861
Out of hours urgent enquiries: 0844 967 0069
For any other general queries or for advice, contact us: Health.Protection@eastsussex.gov.uk
What you need to know about Meningitis
Overview
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.
It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.
Overview
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.
It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.
Symptoms of meningitis
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.
When to get medical help
Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.
Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.
If you've had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.
How meningitis is spread
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.
Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:
- sneezing
- coughing
- kissing
Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves.
It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.
Vaccinations against meningitis
Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis.
These include the:
- MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year
- 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to children at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months
- pneumococcal vaccine – 2 doses offered to babies at 16 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over
- MMRV vaccine – offered to children at 12 months and 18 months
- MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time
Treatments for meningitis
People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection.
Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week.
Treatments include:
- antibiotics given directly into a vein
- fluids given directly into a vein
- oxygen through a face mask
Viral meningitis tends to get better on its own within 7 to 10 days and can often be treated at home.
Getting plenty of rest and taking painkillers and anti-sickness medication can help relieve the symptoms in the meantime.
Outlook for meningitis
Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems.
Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, although some are left with serious long-term problems.
These can include:
- hearing loss or vision loss, which may be partial or total
- problems with memory and concentration
- recurrent seizures (epilepsy)
- co-ordination, movement and balance problems
- loss of limbs – amputation of affected limbs is sometimes necessary
Overall, it's estimated up to 1 in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal.
Symptoms
Symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. In the early stages, there may not be a rash, or the rash may fade when pressure is applied.
You should get medical help immediately if you're concerned about yourself or your child.
Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops.
Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:
- a high temperature
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- confusion
- breathing quickly
- muscle and joint pain
- pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- fits (seizures)
Babies may also:
- refuse feeds
- be irritable
- have a high-pitched cry
- have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive
- have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head
Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.
Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious.
If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.
Meningitis rash
The rash usually starts as small, red pinpricks before spreading quickly and turning into red or purple blotches.
It does not fade if you press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin.
It does not fade if you press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin.
If a rash does not fade under a glass, it can be a sign of sepsis (sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning) caused by meningitis and you should call 999 straight away.
Causes
Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be very serious if not treated.
Several different viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, including:
- meningococcal bacteria – there are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z
- pneumococcal bacteria
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria
- enteroviruses – viruses that usually only cause a mild stomach infection
- the mumps virus
- the herpes simplex virus – a virus that usually causes cold sores or genital herpes
A number of meningitis vaccinations provide protection against many of the infections that can cause meningitis.
How meningitis is spread
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through:
- sneezing
- coughing
- kissing
The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, but are not ill themselves.
The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common.
It's possible to get meningitis more than once.
Who's most at risk?
Anyone can potentially get meningitis, but it's more common in:
- babies and young children
- teenagers and young adults
- older people
- people with a weak immune system – for example, those with HIV and those having chemotherapy
You can reduce the risk of getting meningitis by ensuring all your vaccinations are up to date.
People with suspected meningitis will usually need to have tests in hospital and may need to stay in hospital for treatment.
Tests in hospital
Several tests may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection.
These tests may include:
- a physical examination to look for symptoms of meningitis
- a blood test to check for bacteria or viruses
- a lumbar puncture – where a sample of fluid is taken from the spine and checked for bacteria or viruses
- a CT scan to check for any problems with the brain, such as swelling
As bacterial meningitis can be very serious, treatment with antibiotics will usually start before the diagnosis is confirmed and will be stopped later on if tests show the condition is being caused by a virus.
Treatment in hospital
Treatment in hospital is recommended in all cases of bacterial meningitis, as the condition can cause serious problems and requires close monitoring.
Severe viral meningitis may also be treated in hospital.
Treatments include:
- antibiotics given directly into a vein
- fluids given directly into a vein to prevent dehydration
- oxygen through a face mask if there are any breathing difficulties
- steroid medication to help reduce any swelling around the brain, in some cases
People with meningitis may need to stay in hospital for a few days, and in certain cases treatment may be needed for several weeks.
Even after going home, it may be a while before you feel completely back to normal.
Additional treatment and long-term support may also be required if any complications of meningitis occur, such as hearing loss.
Treatment at home
You'll usually be able to go home from hospital if you or your child has mild meningitis and tests show it's being caused by a viral infection.
This type of meningitis will usually get better on its own without causing any serious problems. Most people feel better within 7 to 10 days.
In the meantime, you may be advised to:
- get plenty of rest
- take painkillers for a headache or general aches
- take anti-sickness medicine for any nausea or vomiting
If you feel unable to manage your symptoms at home or you feel worse, get further medical help.
Preventing the spread of infection
The risk of someone with meningitis spreading the infection to others is generally low.
But if someone is thought to be at high risk of infection, they may be given a dose of antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
This may include anyone who's been in prolonged close contact with someone who developed meningitis, such as:
- people living in the same house
- pupils sharing a dormitory
- university students sharing a hall of residence
- a boyfriend or girlfriend
People who have only had brief contact with someone who developed meningitis will not usually need to take antibiotics.
Meningitis can be caused by a number of different infections, so several vaccinations offer some protection against it.
Children should receive most of these as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
Speak to your GP if you're not sure whether you or your child's vaccinations are up to date.
MenB vaccine
The MenB vaccine offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which are a common cause of meningitis in young children in the UK.
The vaccine is recommended for babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year.
Find out more about the MenB vaccine
6-in-1 vaccine
The 6-in-1 vaccine, also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B vaccine, offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
Hib are a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis.
The vaccine is given on 4 separate occasions, when children are 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months old.
Find out more about the 6-in-1 vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine offers protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis.
Babies are offered the pneumococcal vaccine as 2 separate injections at 16 weeks with a booster given at 1 year of age. A single dose is offered to adults aged 65 or over.
Find out more about the pneumococcal vaccine
MMRV vaccine
The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of some of these infections.
The vaccine is usually given to children in 2 doses, when they're 12 months and 18 months old.
Find out more about the MMRV vaccine
MenACWY vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
The vaccine is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old. It is also offered to people up to the age of 25 who have never had a vaccine containing MenC.
Immunisation Service for Children and Young People
The NHS HPV vaccination programme in England, delivered in schools, has dramatically lowered the HPV infections and rates of cervical cancer in vaccine-eiligible women, with the strongest effects seen in those offered vaccination at younger ages. Over a quarter of pupils missing out on HPV vaccine - GOV.UK
Sussex Immunisation Service
Missed a vaccination for teenagers and young people?
Please contact your local immunisation team for details of a clinic near you.
- Brighton and Hove 01273 696011 ext. 3789
- Chichester 01273 696011 ext. 8100
- Crawley 01273 696011 ext. 2043
- Heathfield 01273 696011 ext. 2080
- Uckfield 01273 696011 ext. 4931
- Worthing 01273 696011 ext. 8533
Vaccination schedule for teenagers and young people Sussex Immunisation Service
Ages 12 to 13: Your child should have been offered their Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Age 13 to 14: Your child should have been offered their Tetanus/Diphtheria/ Polio (Td/IPV) and Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccines.
By the age of 16 your child should have received their HPV, Td/IPV and MenACWY vaccines. (Males born AFTER 01/09/2006 ONLY should have been offered the HPV vaccine).
Please check with your GP or in your child’s red book that your child's routine vaccinations, including two doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), are up-to-date.
All of the below resources for MenaACWY are included within our Website information page found here.
Frequently Asked Questions | Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio and Meningitis
Infection prevention and control
Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a practical, evidence-based approach preventing residents, health workers and the public from being harmed by avoidable infections.
Preventing and reducing the transmission of infectious diseases is essential to ensuring people stay healthy.
Examples of infection control practices include hand washing, cleaning, and wearing personal protective equipment.
Adult residential settings
For general advice or support regarding infection control, contact us. Email Health.Protection@eastsussex.gov.uk
Infection control training
There is a range of infection control training available for East Sussex care workers, including infection control champions training for residential homes.
Email the team for more information: IPC.ChampionsProgramme@eastsussex.gov.uk
For an introduction to the fundamentals of infection prevention and control, see our infection control e-learning course on the East Sussex Learning Portal.
IPC Measures and Face Mask Wearing Communication December 2025
Current Situation
The UK is experiencing an early and severe influenza season with NHS England reporting increases in hospital attendances and admissions for influenza/ influenza like illnesses. UK Health Security Agency advises that influenza activity is at medium levels nationally and schools across the UK are reporting high absence rates. Locally our hospitals are seeing increased influenza cases prompting mask-wearing in emergency gateway areas and respiratory outbreak areas. Infection prevention and control standard and transmission-based precautions should be undertaken to support preventing the spread of infections.
Due to rising influenza cases, we recommend all health and social care providers conduct a risk assessment for mask use to minimise transmission and maintain safe staffing levels, along with reviewing current IPC practices and ensuring all staff are aware of and are following your organisations policy.
Awareness Raising
Influenza vaccine: Recommend to all eligible individuals and to health and social care staff.
Staff are unwell: Stay away, do not attend work if you have respiratory symptoms and a high temperature >38 degrees Celsius. Staff can return once they are feeling better and no longer have a high temperature. Consider working from home if viable. Encourage mask use when staff return to work if residual symptoms remain e.g. cough.
Ventilation: Encourage in waiting and clinical assessment areas ( windows open).
Please see below information for consideration and awareness.
Standard and transmission-based infection prevention and control precautions
Hand hygiene: Frequent and correct handwashing with water and soap for visibly dirty hands or when in contact with diarrhoea. Use of alcohol-based hand rubs when hands are visibly clean - do not use if a person has diarrhoea.
Respiratory/cough hygiene: Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; disposing of tissues properly and promptly and then undertake hand hygiene.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): To reduce the risk of respiratory infection transmission and support staff attendance, please consider mask wearing within your organisation. Use of gloves, aprons, and masks when indicated following risk assessment. Offering masks for attendees’ respiratory symptoms to be worn in patient assessment and waiting areas. Offering masks for patient facing staff including reception and pharmacy dispensing areas.
Patient Equipment/ Environmental decontamination: Continue regular cleaning of patient equipment and the environment. Consider enhanced cleaning of highly touched points e.g. door handles, telephones, light switches etc. Use the products available to you e.g. combined detergent/disinfection wipes for routine cleaning or 1,000ppm available chlorine, after an outbreak or a patient is discharged with a suspected or confirmed infection as part of your deep/terminal clean process.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Champions Training 2025
We will be launching our new in-house IPC Champions Training for East Sussex care workers during 2026. Details will be announced at our annual IPC Champions Awards day which is being held on Wednesday 13th May in Polegate.
The sessions will be delivered as a hybrid model of both online (via Microsoft Teams) and face to face in a classroom setting at our Eastbourne offices.
You need to attend one face to face training date only.
About the sessions
Your certificate is valid for 2 years after which you will need to attend a refresher training session.
The aim is to support someone to take on an IPC Champion role in their setting to promote IPC practice and act as a role model for good practice.
It is essential that the person attending this training is an East Sussex care worker and is either a senior carer or support worker, registered nurse or registered manager.
Champion's responsibilities in the workplace
- Help create an environment which will promote and improve the safety of residents, staff and visitors in relation to infection prevention and control.
- Convert IPC policy into achievable 'do-able' practice.
- Able to challenge poor practice and empower others to provide care safely.
- Acts as a resource person and role model for staff in relation to best IPC practice at all times.
