Students at the University of Kent have criticised the institution's response to a meningitis outbreak that has killed two people, as hundreds queued for antibiotics and exams were moved online. The outbreak, centred in Canterbury, has left many young people fearing for their health and that of their contacts.
Joe Bradshaw, 23, discovered on Monday that he had been linked to the outbreak after a night out at Club Chemistry. 'I'm less concerned about my own health than spreading [the infection] to other vulnerable people,' he said, noting his mother's recent surgery. Students described a 'terrifying' atmosphere, with social media videos of hazmat-suited personnel on campus fuelling panic.
Aram, a 22-year-old criminology and politics student living in Tyler Court, said many of his flatmates had fled overnight. 'A lot of my flatmates already left. Their parents picked them up at like one in the morning,' he said. Others reported friends packing TVs and belongings into cars as they evacuated.
The university has moved all in-person exams online, but some students remain concerned about the campus staying open. Drama student Ben Tostevin said, 'I'm surprised the campus has remained open. But it's uni leadership doing what they think needs to be done.' His friend Sofia Malanga added that online posts 'make it more scary', with 'terrifying' videos circulating.
The outbreak has claimed two lives: an unnamed University of Kent student and Juliette, a Year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School. Classmate Sammy Wright described Juliette as a 'bright character, always very happy, kind'. The UK Health Security Agency has urged anyone with symptoms to seek emergency care.
