Two people have died following an outbreak of meningitis in Kent, according to reports from the BBC.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia were notified from Friday to Sunday in the Canterbury area.
A year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham and a student at the University of Kent are the two individuals who have died, with the local MP confirming the death of the Faversham pupil on Monday.
Police Response and Timeline
The UKHSA is arranging antibiotics for some other students in the area as a precaution against the dangerous infection.
More than 30,000 students, staff, and families in the Canterbury area are being contacted by the UKHSA about the outbreak.
Causes and Symptoms of Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and it can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
Symptoms can develop suddenly and can include fever, headache, and stiff neck, among others.
Vaccination and Prevention
Two vaccines protect against the main causes of meningitis and septicaemia: the MenACWY vaccine and the MenB vaccine.
The MenACWY vaccine is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old, while the MenB vaccine is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year.
Investigation and Response
The BBC understands that the outbreak in Kent is thought to be linked to a social event in Canterbury, which some of those who fell ill attended.
Health officials are advising students in the affected area to trust their instincts and seek medical help urgently if they experience any symptoms of meningitis.
