A meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent and three schools has resulted in two deaths and 11 hospitalisations, prompting long queues for antibiotics at the Canterbury campus. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed 13 cases since March 13, including the fatalities.
The deceased were a University of Kent student and a sixth-former at Queen Elizabeth’s grammar school (QEGS) in Faversham, named as Juliette. Her headteacher described her as a kind, intelligent and treasured member of the school community. Two other schools, Simon Langton grammar school for boys in Canterbury and Norton Knatchbull school in Ashford, each have a year 13 student in hospital.
On Monday, students at the university formed long queues for antibiotics, with many wearing face masks. The UKHSA approached individuals who may have had contact with infected people. Teaching has finished for the term, and exams have been moved online, affecting about 1,700 students, but the campus remains open.
Students expressed shock but reassurance. Law student Millie Inglis, 21, described the situation as 'very Covid-esque' but emphasised the importance of ensuring everyone's safety. Helen Whately, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, called the outbreak a 'huge shock' and sought urgent information from the NHS.
The UKHSA is investigating the outbreak, with the specific meningitis strain yet to be identified. Antibiotics have been provided to some students, while others remain in hospital.
