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Written question asked by Caroline Johnson (Conservative) on Friday, 20 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 March 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 26 March 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Sharon Hodgson (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 April 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Meningitis: Smoking

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) smoking and (b) passive smoking on the risk of invasive meningococcal disease.

Answer

There is established evidence that exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of meningococcal disease. Tobacco smoking increases the risk of meningococcal carriage and meningococcal disease by damaging the nasopharyngeal mucosa and suppressing immune responses.

Vaping could plausibly carry similar risks for carriage but the association with increased risk of disease is unknown.

When either active or passive smoking occurs in an enclosed and intimate setting over a prolonged period, the risk of transmission is increased.

The highest risk of transmission is associated with prolonged exposure to droplets of saliva.

Where there has been repeated or prolonged salivary exposure in an enclosed and intimate venue such as a nightclub, the risk is higher.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
122536
Session
2024-26
Registered interest declared
Yes
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Passive smoking Meningitis Smoking
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk