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) confirmed on Monday. The deceased include a University of Kent student and a sixth-form pupil at 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. Since March 13, 13 cases have been notified, including the two fatalities.
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 has moved all assessments online for the week, affecting about 1,700 students, but the campus remains open.
QEGS headteacher Amelia McIlroy described Juliette as “incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent,” adding, “Her humour and positivity were captivating. We are all devastated.” Juliette’s father told the BBC the family were “beyond devastated.”
Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately called the outbreak “a huge shock” and said she had spoken to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. UKHSA continues to investigate, though the specific meningitis strain has not yet been identified.
