Uni student among two dead in Kent meningitis outbreak

"Two people have died following an outbreak of meningitis, including one student at the University of Kent. BBC South East understands that a further 11 people from the Canterbury area are currently in hospital and reported to be seriously ill. It is understood that most are aged between 18 and 21 and a number are students at the university."

"More than 30,000 students, staff and their families are being contacted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to inform them of the situation. A UKHSA spokesperson said it was arranging antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury area following the outbreak, and that the specific strain of the disease has not been identified."

"Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and can be serious if not treated urgently. Symptoms of meningitis include a high fever, being sick and a severe and worsening headache, but can also cause life-threatening sepsis."

An invasive meningitis outbreak in Canterbury has resulted in two deaths and 11 serious hospitalizations, predominantly affecting University of Kent students aged 18-21. The UK Health Security Agency is contacting over 30,000 students, staff, and families to inform them of the situation. Antibiotics are being distributed to those in certain campus blocks without delay. The outbreak is believed to be linked to a social event in Canterbury. The specific strain has not yet been identified. Meningitis is an infection of protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, presenting symptoms including high fever, vomiting, severe headaches, and potentially life-threatening sepsis.

Read at www.bbc.com