Two people have died following an outbreak of invasive Meningitis, including a student from University of Kent, as health authorities investigate a cluster of serious infections in Canterbury.
Health officials said both victims were believed to be aged between 18 and 21. A spokesperson for the University of Kent confirmed that one of those who died was a student at the institution.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said more than 30,000 students, staff and their families are being contacted as authorities work to contain the outbreak.
BBC South East understands that at least 11 additional people from the Canterbury area are currently in hospital and reported to be seriously ill. Most of those affected are believed to be aged between 18 and 21, with several understood to be students at the university.
Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The condition can rapidly become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
A spokesperson for the UKHSA said antibiotics were being arranged for some students in the Canterbury area as a precaution, although the specific strain of the infection has not yet been identified.
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According to a letter sent by the agency to students and staff at the university, individuals living or working in certain accommodation blocks on campus should receive antibiotics “without delay.”
In a statement, the University of Kent said it was working closely with public health authorities to support students and staff during the situation.
“The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority,” the university said. “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.”
Health officials believe the outbreak may be linked to a social event in Canterbury attended by several of those who later fell ill. Specialists from the UKHSA are currently interviewing those affected to identify close contacts.
Trish Mannes, regional deputy director for the South East at the UKHSA, warned that symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for less serious illnesses.
“Students can easily confuse symptoms with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover,” she said.
Common symptoms include a high fever, vomiting, severe headache and sensitivity to light. The illness can also lead to sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection. A distinctive rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass may also appear.
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Mannes said close contacts of confirmed cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure to reduce further transmission.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia has been urged to seek immediate medical help by attending the nearest accident and emergency department or calling emergency services.
Tom Nutt, chief executive of the charity Meningitis Now, warned that the disease can progress rapidly.
“Meningitis can progress very quickly and its impact is devastating, particularly for young people and their loved ones,” he said.
He added that university students are among groups at increased risk because meningitis bacteria spread more easily in environments where people live, study and socialise closely together.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Canterbury, Rosie Duffield, described the deaths as “really tragic” and said her thoughts were with the families and friends of those affected.