Visiting Evelina London

We are aware that parents and families are concerned about the cases of meningococcal disease (commonly called meningitis and septicaemia) currently being reported in Kent.

The current situation in Kent is being closely managed by UK Health Security Agency (the government agency responsible for public health). You can find the latest advice for children, young people, parents and carers on the UK Health Security Agency website, this will be regularly updated.

If you or your child have a booked appointment, please attend this as usual and in line with our guidelines for visiting the hospital. Infection prevention measures are always in place to help us to keep babies, children and young people safe.

Anyone coming into a hospital with suspected meningitis, or any other infectious disease, is isolated until they are treated. Close contacts can be quickly treated with post exposure antibiotics after which they are no longer potentially infectious and at no risk of spreading infection.

Please check that you are up to date with routine vaccinations for you or your child, if you are unsure you can check with your GP.

There is no increased risk to the majority of children and young people. Those at increased risk are a very small group and will already be aware and receiving treatment to prevent a range of infections.

You can read more information on the signs, symptoms and treatments for meningitis on the NHS website.

We will update this information if anything changes.