Two University of Kent students die after ‘invasive’ meningitis outbreak ‘at social event’
An outbreak of an ‘invasive’ strain of meningitis has led to the deaths of two students at the University of Kent.
A further 11 students from the Canterbury area are currently seriously ill in hospital, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
They were all identified between Friday and today. The specific strain has not yet been identified, the UKHSA said.
University of Kent students were told to receive antibiotics ‘without delay’.
The BBC reported the outbreak was linked to a social event in Canterbury, after some attendees fell ill.
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The UKHSA told Metro that it is contacting more than 30,000 students, staff and their families to inform them of the situation.
They are also working with the university to issue ‘advice to staff and students’ and interviewing affected individuals and their families ‘to help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread’.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, offered her ‘condolences to the friends and family involved’ and said the antibiotics were a ‘precautionary measure’.
What is meginititis?
The illness is caused by infection with a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis.
While it is common among babies, young children, teens and young adults, it can infect anyone of any age, Caroline Hughes, support services manager at Meningitis Research Foundation, told Metro.
‘In the early stages it can be mistaken for a hangover, freshers’ flu or other mild illnesses, but it can become life-threatening within hours,’ she said.
‘Symptoms can appear in any order and not everyone will experience all of them. Some of the most common signs to look out for include fever, vomiting, severe headache, limb or joint pain, cold hands and feet, pale or mottled skin, fast breathing, a rash and extreme tiredness.’
The bacteria can also invade the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that causes clammy skin, pain and chills.
As a bacterial infection, meningitis can be spread through sneezing, coughing or sharing utensils.
Up to one in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal, sometimes in as little as 24 hours after diagnosis, according to the NHS.
Huges reccomended people seek treatment as soon as possible to receive antibiotics. There are also various vaccines for meningitis, often offered to babies and teens.
Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield said in a statement on X that the deaths were ‘really tragic’ and she was ‘thinking very much of those close to them.
Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia is urged to go to their closest A&E department or call 999.
Metro has contacted the University of Kent for comment.
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