CONSERVATIVE
New Forest East

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE – MENINGITIS OUTBREAK - 17 March 2026

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE – MENINGITIS OUTBREAK - 17 March 2026

Sir Julian Lewis: I have heard a suggestion that this type of meningitis is more widespread in some countries than in others. Is there any truth in that, and if there is, would there be wisdom in suggesting to young people travelling to the countries concerned that they ought to add the vaccination as a prophylactic against that possibility?

[The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting): I am not sure about the point of prevalence, but we will look carefully at the genesis of this outbreak. Of course, in common with the point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham and Beckton (James Asser), we will think about what advice ought to be offered. As ever when it comes to travel advice, we rely on the evidence available, and with our partners at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, we regularly offer good travel advice to British citizens travelling abroad where there may be exposure to greater health risks.]