A meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent and three schools has resulted in the deaths of two young people and left 11 others in hospital. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 13 cases since March 13, including the two fatalities. One victim was a University of Kent student, the other a sixth-former at Queen Elizabeth’s grammar school (QEGS) in Faversham, named as Juliette.
Two other schools, Simon Langton grammar school for boys in Canterbury and Norton Knatchbull school in Ashford, confirmed a year 13 student each was hospitalised with meningitis. Long queues formed at the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus on Monday as students awaited antibiotics, many contacted directly by UKHSA due to possible exposure.
The university moved all assessments online for this week, affecting about 1,700 students, but the campus remains open. A spokesperson said it was not a lockdown situation. Students expressed shock but felt reassured by the university’s response, with one noting it felt “very Covid-esque”.
Juliette’s headteacher described her as kind, intelligent, and a treasured member of the school community. Her father told the BBC the family were “beyond devastated”. Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, called the outbreak a huge shock and sought urgent NHS guidance. UKHSA continues to investigate, with the specific meningitis strain not yet identified.
