Two die in university meningitis outbreak

Two people have died following an outbreak of "invasive" meningitis 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 are students at the university.

Both of the people who have died are also believed to be aged between 18 and 21, with one also confirmed to be a student.

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.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and can be serious if not treated promptly.

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.

The BBC understands the outbreak is thought to be linked to a social event in Canterbury, which some of those who fell ill attended.

Specialists at the UKHSA are interviewing those affected to identify close contacts, a spokesperson said.

Symptoms of meningitis include a high fever, being sick and a severe and worsening headache, but can also cause life-threatening sepsis.

Other characteristic symptoms include a rash which does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said students can be at risk of missing symptoms due to being "easily confused with other illnesses such as 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."

Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia is urged to go to their closest A&E department or call 999.

Meningitis can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

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.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.