An outbreak of meningitis in Kent has resulted in the deaths of two people, according to reports from the BBC.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that 13 cases of meningitis and septicaemia were reported in the Canterbury area from Friday to Sunday.
The deaths occurred in a year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham and a student at the University of Kent, with both individuals believed to be aged between 18 and 21.
Police Response and Timeline
The local MP confirmed the death of the year 13 pupil on Monday, while the UKHSA notified the public of the outbreak.
Health experts are arranging antibiotics for some students in the area as a precaution against the infection.
Investigation and Vaccination
The UKHSA is contacting over 30,000 students, staff, and families in the Canterbury area about the outbreak.
Two vaccines, MenACWY and MenB, protect against the main causes of meningitis and septicaemia, with the MenACWY vaccine offered to teenagers aged 14 years old and the MenB vaccine recommended for babies aged eight weeks.
Vaccine coverage has fallen since the Covid pandemic, meaning fewer children and teens are protected, according to the UK government.
Symptoms and Prevention
Symptoms of meningitis can develop suddenly and include fever, headache, and vomiting, with the infection spread through coughs, sneezes, and close contact.
Students in the affected area are advised to trust their instincts and seek medical help urgently if they experience any symptoms.
