Budmouth Academy said an ‘isolated’ case was identified with a student being treated and has provided advice on how to identify symptoms, while health officials said parents should ensure their children are up to date on their vaccinations.

Close contacts of the student involved have been identified and will be offered antibiotics.

Parents were told in a letter sent out yesterday there is no reason to make any changes to the routine and children do not need to be kept at home.

Meningococcal disease can cause both meningitis and septicaemia.

It is stressed it is not linked to the meningitis outbreak in Kent where two students have died and 18 more cases are being investigated.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West is working closely with Budmouth, Dorset Council and NHS partners following the notification that a student at the school is currently being treated for a suspected meningococcal infection.

Headteacher Sara Mashike told parents that risk of another case is ‘very small’ but has provided advice from the UKHSA on how to identify symptoms.

Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: “We understand that there will be concern among students, staff and parents following this case, and the current outbreak in Kent. We’re following national guidelines to ensure close contacts are offered antibiotics to reduce the risk of the infection spreading. There is no reason to make any change in the school routine and no reason for students to be kept at home.

“Students and staff will be feeling worried about the likelihood of further cases, particularly given the situation in Kent, however, I would like to reassure them that meningococcal meningitis does not spread very easily, and the risk of another case at the school is very low.”

He added: “The best advice remains for young people to check that they are up to date with their vaccinations, including the MenACWY vaccine, which is free on the NHS until they are 25.

“The MenACWY vaccine offers good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10.

“However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as MenB, can circulate among young adults. This is why it is important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms regardless of vaccination status.

“The signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.

“Early recognition of meningitis and septicaemia symptoms can greatly improve the outcome of the disease, and so anyone concerned about any of these symptoms, at any time, should contact their GP, call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.”

It comes as students in Kent have begun to receive a meningitis B vaccine following a deadly outbreak of the bug in the county.

Around 5,000 students from the Canterbury campus of the University of Kent are being offered the jab, alongside courses of antibiotics after two students died and 18 more cases were being investigated by the UKHSA following an outbreak of meningitis linked to a nightclub.

Catching the symptoms early and prevention is key says Jon Orrell, a former GP and Weymouth councillor.

He said: “I hope the person that has the disease makes a full recovery. If the disease is caught early, it is very treatable with modern antibiotics.

“I would encourage people to listen out for any messages that come out from Public Health. If people are offered antibiotics, they should definitely take them. The best long-term treatment is vaccination and if anyone is offered a vaccination, they should take it.”

Other schools and colleges in the area are remaining on alert and continue to follow guidance.

For further information about meningitis, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis or https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/31/what-ismeningitis-symptoms-risks-and-how-to-protect-yourself/

Symptoms of meningococcal disease include:

·        Meningitis Septicaemia

·        Fever

·        Vomiting

·        Severe Headache

·        Stiff Neck

·        Dislike of bright light

·        Seizures

·        Confusion/ delirium

·        Extreme sleepiness / difficulty waking

·        Fever

·        Vomiting

·        Bruising / Rash

·        Rapid Breathing

·        Joint/Muscle Pain

·        Cold Hands and Feet

·        Confusion/delirium

·        Extreme sleepiness / difficulty waking

READ MORE: Meningococcal disease case confirmed at Budmouth …

Not all of these signs and symptoms may show at once but someone with this illness will become very ill. The illness may progress over one or two days, but can developvery rapidly, sometimes in a matter of hours.

Should such an illness develop, medical advice should be sought without delay.

Meningococcal bacteria are carried in the back of the throat of about one in ten people at any time but only very rarely cause illness. The bacteria can be spread more so to those who have had prolonged, close contact with the index case.