Two people have died following an outbreak of “invasive” meningitis, including one student at the University of Kent.
BBC South East understands that a further 11 people from the Canterbury area are currently in hospital and reported to be seriously ill. It is understood that most are aged between 18 and 21 and a number are students at the university.
Both persons who have died are believed to be aged between 18 and 21, while a University of Kent spokesperson confirmed one of the two was a student at the university.
More than 30,000 students, staff and their families are being contacted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to inform them of the situation.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and can be serious if not treated promptly.
A UKHSA spokesperson said it was arranging antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury area following the outbreak, and that the specific strain of the disease has not been identified.
A letter from the UKHSA to University of Kent students and staff, seen by the BBC, said people living and working in certain blocks in the campus should receive antibiotics “without delay”.
In a statement, the university said: “The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.
“We are working closely with public health teams and are in touch with staff and students to ensure they get the advice and support they need.”
The BBC understands the outbreak is thought to be linked to a social event in Canterbury, which some of those who fell ill attended.
Specialists at the UKHSA are interviewing those affected to identify close contacts, a spokesperson said.
Symptoms of meningitis include a high fever, being sick and a severe and worsening headache, but can also cause life-threatening sepsis.
Other characteristic symptoms include a rash which does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said students can be at risk of missing symptoms due to being “easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover”.
She added: “Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.”
Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia is urged to go to their closest A&E department or call 999.
Meningitis can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: “Meningitis can progress very quickly and its impact is devastating, particularly for young people and their loved ones.
“University students and young adults are among the groups at increased risk because meningitis bacteria can spread more easily in settings where people live, study and socialise closely together.
“We urge students, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis.”
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection.
Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield said in a statement on X that the deaths were “really tragic” and she was “thinking very much” of those close to them.
BBC / Titilayo Kupoliyi
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