2 People Dead, 11 Others ‘Seriously Ill’ amid University Outbreak of Still-Unidentified Virus Strain

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• Two people, including a University of Kent student, have died after UK health authorities were notified of multiple cases of invasive meningococcal disease near the school.

• Health authorities are providing antibiotics to students and launching an investigation after 13 people in the area showed “signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicemia” between March 13 and March 15.

• Health officials said no specific strain had been identified as of Sunday, March 15.

Two people have died and 11 more are “seriously ill” following an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease at a university in Canterbury, England.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the organization said that between Friday, March 13 and Sunday, March 15, 13 separate cases with “signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicemia” at the University of Kent were reported to the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA).

As of Sunday, two people have died. One of them was a student, a university spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.

The UKHSA, along with the UK’s National Health Service, said it had arranged antibiotics “for some students in the Canterbury area of ​​Kent following a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease”.

Meningococcal disease is a “rare but very serious infection” and its two most common syndromes are meningitis and septicemia. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The specific strain had not been identified as of Sunday, according to the UKHSA.

The agency said it was “advising staff and students” along with the University of Kent, and that UKHSA experts were currently “engaged in discussions with affected individuals and their families to help identify all close contacts and tailor antibiotics to limit spread.”

The outbreak is thought to be linked to a party held in Canterbury, attended by some students who fell ill. BBC.

A spokesperson for the University of Kent told PEOPLE on Sunday: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a University of Kent student has died following a case of invasive meningitis. Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.”

The spokesperson continued: “The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We are working closely with public health teams and are in contact with staff and students to ensure they receive the advice and support they need. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our community informed.”

Meningitis means “swelling of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord” Meningitis Research FoundationSepticemia is “life-threatening blood poisoning caused by the same microbes as meningitis.”

The foundation’s website states that septicemia “occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, causing blood poisoning and triggering sepsis. Sepsis is a massive and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.” “Both meningitis and sepsis can kill within hours.”

Trish Mannes, UKHSA’s Deputy Regional Director for the South East, said in a statement that meningococcal disease “can progress rapidly” so it is important to be alert for signs and symptoms that “may include fever, headache, rapid breathing, lethargy, chills, vomiting and cold hands and feet.”

“Septicemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not disappear when pressed against a glass,” Mannes added.

The UKHSA regional director also said university students were “particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis, as these can be easily confused with other illnesses such as colds, flu and even hangovers”.

“So if a friend goes to bed badly, it’s vital that you check them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they have these symptoms or are worried about them,” Mannes said. “This could save their life.”

“Anyone feeling unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicemia should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest Accident and Emergency Department or by calling 999,” the UKHSA said in a statement. “Early treatment can be lifesaving”

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Canterbury Member of Parliament Rosie Duffield shared a statement of support in x For the families and friends of those who lost their lives due to the epidemic.

“Truly tragic news came from our university in Canterbury this weekend,” Duffield wrote. “Rumors have been floating around for a few days, but you always hope for better news. You think hard about those who love these students.”

Read the original article People