Meningtitis B: the implications for intensive care

Meningitis has been in the news in recent weeks with an unprecedented cluster of infections and, sadly, several deaths have taken place in the Kent area. In this timely podcast episode, Dr Jonny Wilkinson is joined by Intensivists Dr Martin Beed, Dr Peter Brindley (authors of the new primer on infectious meningitis and encephalitis in the Journal of the Intensive Care Society), and Dr Andrew Conway-Morris. They explore the UK government's targeted Men-B vaccination programme for university students and affected schools, the critical importance of early clinical suspicion and prompt antibiotic administration, transmission risks in nightclubs and social settings (including behaviours like vaping), and lessons from past UK and global outbreaks. Packed with actionable clinical guidance and real-world takeaways, this episode is essential listening for healthcare professionals, students, parents, and anyone wanting to understand how to spot, treat, and prevent this devastating disease.