The UKHSA said the cases, which were confirmed between 20 March and 15 April, were not linked to the recent outbreak in Kent.

Dr Beth Smout, UKHSA deputy director said: ‘We are working closely with partners to follow up and offer precautionary antibiotics to close contacts of the cases. However, meningococcal disease does not spread easily, and outbreaks like we have seen recently in Kent are rare. These cases are not linked to the Kent outbreak and it is important to be aware that this outbreak is not on the same scale as we saw in Kent in terms of speed of transmission or severity.'

Two of the cases attend Budmouth Academy and the other attends Wey Valley Academy.

The UKHSA said all have received treatment and are recovering well. Close contacts of the cases have already been offered antibiotics as a precaution.

Antibiotics and MenB vaccination are being offered to young people currently in school years 7 to 13 (or equivalent), or anyone not in full time education who would be in one of these year groups, who study in or live in the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas of Dorset.