Three new cases of meningitis confirmed in Dorset after outbreak left two dead

Three new cases of meningitis confirmed in Dorset high schools after outbreakThe news came as the agency announced antibiotics and vaccines are being offered to youngsters in the area. This is a Breaking News storyNewsGeorgia Diebelius Content Editor12:54, 17 Apr 2026Updated 12:59, 17 Apr 2026View ImageWeymouth in Dorset is a very traditional seaside town(Image: Getty Images)Three cases of meningitis B have been confirmed in young people in Weymouth, Dorset, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.‌The news came as the agency announced antibiotics and vaccines are being offered to youngsters in the area.‌Antibiotics and vaccines are now being offered to young people currently in school years 7 to 13 across the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas of Dorset.‌The UKHSA said the three cases were confirmed between March 20 and April 15.The three students affected have received treatment and are "recovering well", it said, adding that close contacts have already been offered antibiotics as a precaution.‌Two of the young people attended Budmouth Academy, a large secondary school in Weymouth, while the other attended Wey Valley Academy, a separate secondary school.Information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis have been shared with students and parents of both schools, the UKHSA said.The three cases have been confirmed as menB and are the same sub-strain type - but a different sub-strain - to the cases seen in Kent last month, which left two students dead.Article continues belowThis is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link . You can also join The Mirror ’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .