Meningitis FAQs
These FAQs provide general information about meningitis and support current public health advice in Gibraltar.
There are currently no confirmed or suspected cases in Gibraltar, and the overall public health risk remains low.
For the latest updates, please visit the Gibraltar Meningitis Updates page
Current situation
Do I need to be worried?
The risk in Gibraltar is currently low, and there are no confirmed or suspected cases. Public health teams are monitoring the situation closely.
Is it safe to attend university, school, work, or training centres?
Yes. There is no increased risk to the general public. Meningococcal disease typically requires close or prolonged contact and is not spread through casual contact in public places.
Most people who visited friends or attended social settings are not at increased risk.
However, if you had close or prolonged contact with individuals in the affected area, or attended specific settings linked to the outbreak, you may wish to contact GHA for individual advice.
GHA will assess your situation and advise if any further action is needed.
Do I need a meningitis vaccine right now?
No additional vaccination is required for the wider public at this time unless advised otherwise. Current advice is targeted to specific higher-risk groups.
What do I NOT need to do?
- No need for vaccination if you are not in a risk group
- No need to avoid public places
- No travel restrictions
Vaccination
What vaccines protect against meningitis?
MenACWY protects against groups A, C, W, Y. MenB protects against group B.
Who should have the MenACWY vaccine?
Teenagers and university students, particularly before starting university.
Who should have the MenB vaccine?
It is routinely given to infants. Many older teenagers and adults may not have received it.
Yes. Children and young people who have received their routine meningococcal vaccinations are well protected against the most common types of meningococcal disease.
No vaccine provides 100% protection, so it is still important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and seek medical advice if you are concerned.
What if I don’t know my vaccination status?
Contact your GP or call the GHA hotline on 2000 3351 (8am–4pm).
If you are currently in the UK and have concerns about meningitis or your vaccination status, you should contact your local health services for advice.
You can also visit the NHS website for up-to-date information and guidance before returning to Gibraltar.
Symptoms and urgent advice
What are the symptoms?
- Fever
- Rash
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Light sensitivity
- Neck stiffness
- Drowsiness or confusion
When should I seek medical help?
Call 111 if symptoms develop, especially if they worsen quickly.
Transmission and contact
How does meningitis spread?
Through saliva via close or prolonged contact such as coughing, sneezing, kissing, or living together.
Who is considered a close contact?
- People living in the same household
- Shared accommodation or bedroom
- Intimate contact (e.g. kissing)
- Sharing drinks, vapes or utensils
If I was in the same social setting, am I at risk?
No. Casual contact does not usually pose a risk.
Who may need preventive antibiotics?
Close contacts of confirmed cases may be offered antibiotics after clinical assessment. Others do not usually need them.
