Health officials have confirmed that the number of meningitis cases linked to a nightclub in Canterbury, Kent, has risen to 27, including two deaths. The outbreak, described as 'unprecedented', has prompted a mass vaccination campaign for students at the University of Kent.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that nine of the 15 confirmed cases are caused by MenB, a deadly bacterial form of the disease. Cases have been identified in London and Dorset, as well as several schools in Kent, including Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham and Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford.
Around 5,000 students have been offered the MenB vaccine, and thousands of doses of antibiotics have been distributed to those who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5 and 7. Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director, urged students to come forward for treatment.
Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council's director of public health, told BBC Radio 4 that the outbreak cannot yet be declared contained, as secondary transmission is being investigated. However, he reassured the public that meningitis does not spread like COVID-19, requiring close or intimate contact.
Anyone with symptoms—such as fever, headache, stiff neck, or rash—is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
