Two people have died and 11 are reportedly seriously ill in hospital after an outbreak of a rare form of invasive meningitis at the University of Kent. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, a combination of meningitis and septicaemia, among students in Canterbury.
The UKHSA has provided antibiotics to close contacts of those affected. The fast-acting disease is caused by meningococcal bacteria spreading to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, causing meningitis, and infecting the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. Symptoms include rashes, sudden fever, severe headaches, stiff neck, vomiting, diarrhoea, joint and muscle pain, sensitivity to light, cold hands and feet, seizures, confusion and extreme sleepiness.
One of the deceased was a University of Kent student. Specialists are interviewing families to identify close contacts and arrange treatment. The specific strain has not been identified. Trish Mannes, UKHSA south-east deputy director, urged students and staff to be alert to symptoms, noting that early signs can be mistaken for a cold, flu or hangover.
A University of Kent spokesperson expressed deep sadness, saying: “Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community.” Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, warned that the disease can progress quickly and urged vigilance, as university settings increase transmission risk.
