A meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent and three schools has resulted in two deaths and 11 hospitalisations. The deceased include a University of Kent student and a sixth-former from Queen Elizabeth’s grammar school (QEGS) in Faversham, identified as Juliette. Two other schools, Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury and Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, have each reported a year 13 student hospitalised with meningitis.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed 13 cases since March 13, including the two fatalities. Long queues formed at the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus on Monday as students awaited antibiotics, many after being contacted by UKHSA due to potential exposure. The university moved all assessments online for this week, affecting about 1,700 students, but the campus remains open.
Juliette’s headteacher described her as a “kind, thoughtful and intelligent” student who “embraced everything that school had to offer with great enthusiasm and joy”. Her father told the BBC the family were “beyond devastated”. Local MP Helen Whately expressed shock and said she had spoken to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, urging further information from UKHSA.
Students reported feeling reassured by the university’s response, though some drew comparisons to the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified. UKHSA continues to investigate the outbreak.
