School pupil and university student dead in Kent meningitis outbreak

A meningitis outbreak at a university has killed two young people and left 11 others seriously ill.

The victims, who have not been named, are thought to be aged between 17 and 21.

One was confirmed as a student at the University of Kent while the other was a sixth-form pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in nearby Faversham. 

The majority of those hospitalised are the same age and are also believed to be students at the institution.

More than 30,000 students and staff have been alerted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), warning them to stay vigilant against symptoms.

The 'invasive' outbreak is believed to be linked to a social event in Canterbury, which some of those affected had recently attended.

The UKHSA said it was arranging antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury area following the outbreak.

On Sunday, the university urged anyone who believes they have come into contact with those who have contracted meningitis and have not been contacted by the UKHSA to attend the Senate university building between 9am and 4pm on Monday.

Experts described the number and severity of cases as 'very rare' and 'extremely concerning'.

Trevor Reid of charity Meningitis Now said: 'This is not the type level of cases we have heard of for many, many years.

'It is very rare that we would see anything like this and we extremely concerned.'

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with bacterial meningitis being the most severe form.

The disease can progress rapidly, leading to serious health complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or even death if not treated promptly.

Common symptoms include a high fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures.

On Sunday, officials were working to establish the strain of the illness, which is most likely to be the deadliest strain Meningitis B.

One person in every two or three who survives bacterial meningitis is left with one or more permanent problem such as hearing loss, brain injury and behavioural changes.

The MenB vaccine - the only protection against the bacteria - is only available on the NHS for young children, as they are seen as the most at risk.

This protects them for a couple of years, and for older children, a booster or vaccine costs about £220 privately.

Campaigners want a vaccine or booster to be offered to young adults on the NHS, warning many do not know they are starting university unprotected.

Mr Reid added: 'There is a generation growing up without protection. It's tragic that you have these young people going to university believing that they have had a vaccine and are protected but they're not.

'We have a lot to do with parents who are bereaved, that they want us to be even more vocal than we are.

'What victims' families tell us is that they don't know they're not protected and they want that message out there. At least if they knew, they would have a choice.'

Students are said to be at particular risk of due to young people coming together and mixing closely.

Physiotherapy student Meg Draper, 18, died within weeks of starting at Bournemouth University in October after contracting meningitis.

The swimming and netball player, from Pontypool in Torfaen, South Wales, was immunised against meningitis A, C, W and Y and her parents said it was 'horrific' to find out a separate vaccination against MenB had existed.

They said their daughter would still be with them today if she had been offered the lifesaving jab and are calling for a vaccine, or booster, to be made available to young adults on the NHS.

There was also cases at Brighton University the same month, although it is believed those students are now fully recovered.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said students should be wary of confusing symptoms for 'a bad cold, flu, or even a hangover'.

She added: 'Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.'

The latest statistics from UKHSA show there were 378 cases of IMD in 2024/25, compared to 340 in 2023/24.

The figures also reveal that cases of MenB, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, have also risen. There were 313 cases compared to 301 in the previous year.

Following news of the deaths, Rosie Duffield, MP for Canterbury, said: 'Some really tragic news this weekend from our university in Canterbury.

'Rumours have been flying around for a few days, but you always hope for better news to come. Thinking very much of those who loved these students.'

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School headteacher Mrs A J McIlroy said in a letter to parents: 'I am emailing to share the devastating news that one of our Year 13 students passed away yesterday from an extremely rare form of meningitis.

'Our love and thoughts are with her family and her friends and over the next few days we will be doing all we can to support all members of our school community. We will be talking to all students tomorrow.

'Should your child need any additional support at this very sad time, please let us know.'

A spokesman for the University of Kent said they were 'deeply saddened' the death of a student.

He said: 'Our thoughts are with the student's family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.

'The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with public health teams and are in touch with staff and students to ensure they get the advice and support they need.

'We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our community informed.'

WHAT IS MENINGITIS?

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Anyone can be affected but at-risk people include those aged under five, 15-to-24 and over 45.

People exposed to passive smoking or with suppressed immune systems, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy, are also more at risk.

The most common forms of meningitis are bacterial and viral.

Symptoms for both include:

• Pale, blotchy skin with a rash that does not fade when compressed with a glass
• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights  
• Fever, and cold hands and feet
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness 
• Severe headache 

Bacterial meningitis 

Bacterial meningitis requires urgent treatment at hospital with antibiotics.  

Some 10 per cent of bacterial cases are fatal.

Of those who survive, one in three suffer complications, including brain damage and hearing loss. 

Limb amputation is a potential side effect if septicaemia (blood poisoning) occurs.

Vaccines are available against certain strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, such as tuberculosis.

Viral meningitis 

Viral is rarely life-threatening but can cause long-lasting effects, such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems. 

Thousands of people suffer from viral meningitis every year in the UK. 

Treatment focuses on hydration, painkillers and rest.

Although ineffective, antibiotics may be given when patients arrive at hospital just in case they are suffering from the bacterial form of the disease. 

Source: Meningitis Now