There has been an “unprecedented” outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), with a total of 27 confirmed cases, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Six are confirmed to be group B meningococcal disease. What is invasive meningococcal disease? To date in 2026, there have been 12 cases of meningococcal disease reported in Ireland, with no deaths. Last year, there were 60 meningococcal cases reported in Ireland, of which 38 were Serogroup B cases.

Source: The Irish Times March 20, 2026 19:38 UTC