The Canterbury Academy has become the fifth school in Kent to confirm a case of meningitis, as the outbreak is now being treated as a national incident. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that 20 cases have been confirmed across the region, including two fatalities: an 18-year-old sixth-form pupil and a 24-year-old university student.
In an email to parents, the school stated that a Year 13 student is being treated for meningococcal disease, noting that antibiotics were administered early and the student is responding well. The affected schools include Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, Simon Langton Boys' School in Canterbury, Norton Knatchbull in Ashford, and Highworth Grammar School in Ashford, where a pupil was hospitalised with suspected meningitis.
Highworth Grammar head teacher Duncan Beer said: 'We are sad to report we have a Year 13 student who has been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of meningitis. Our thoughts are with them and their family.' He added that the school is taking precautionary hygiene measures and sharing information with the community.
A UKHSA spokesperson confirmed that all currently linked cases are in young adults, and a separate baby with MenB infection is under investigation. One individual from Kent reported to a London hospital with no community contacts in the capital. GPs across the country have been advised to prescribe antibiotics to anyone who visited Club Chemistry between March 5 and 7, and to University of Kent students if requested.
