A meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent and three schools has resulted in two deaths and 11 hospitalisations. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 13 cases since March 13, including the 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.
Juliette was described by her headteacher as a 'kind, thoughtful and intelligent' student who 'embraced everything that school had to offer'. Her father told the BBC the family was 'beyond devastated'. 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 the week, affecting about 1,700 students, but the campus remains open. A spokesperson said it was 'not a Covid lockdown situation'.
Students expressed mixed feelings. Kirab Rhoda, 18, felt reassured by the university's response, while Millie Inglis, 21, described the situation as 'very Covid-esque'. Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, called the outbreak a 'huge shock' and said she had spoken to the health secretary. UKHSA is investigating the specific strain.
