Two people have died and 11 are seriously ill in hospital following an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease at the University of Kent, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed. The fast-acting illness, a combination of meningitis and septicaemia, has prompted health officials to provide antibiotics to students in the Canterbury area.
The UKHSA reported 13 cases of the disease, which is caused by meningococcal bacteria infecting the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, as well as the bloodstream. Symptoms include a rash, 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 antibiotics. The specific bacterial strain has not been identified. Trish Mannes, UKHSA south-east deputy director, urged students and staff to be alert to symptoms, noting that the disease can progress rapidly and early signs may be mistaken for a cold, flu, or hangover.
A University of Kent spokesperson expressed deep sadness over the student's death, stating that the safety of students and staff remains the highest priority. The university is working with public health teams to provide support. Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, emphasised that university students are at increased risk due to close living and socialising conditions.
