Two university students are dead and 11 are ‘seriously ill’ in hospital amid ‘invasive’ meningitis outbreak
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Two students at a UK university have died following an ‘invasive’ meningitis outbreak.
Eleven people from the University of Kent are also said to be currently in hospital and seriously ill.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) contacted more than 30,000 students, staff and their families to inform them of the infections.
UKHSA said it had arranged antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury region following the outbreak.
Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, feeling sick, and severe and worsening headache.
The disease can also cause life-threatening sepsis.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA’s deputy regional director for the South East, said students should be careful about mistaking symptoms for ‘a bad cold, flu or even a hangover’.
He added: ‘Students and staff will understandably be concerned about the risk of further cases arising; However, we want to reassure them that close contacts of the cases have been given antibiotics as a precaution.’
Anyone who becomes ill is asked to go to their nearest A&E department or call 999.
A further 11 people from the University of Kent are said to be currently in hospital and seriously ill (file image)
Meningitis is most common in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Last year the government called for increased vaccinations to protect against meningitis.
Two vaccines protect against the main causes of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia.
One of these is usually offered to babies aged 8 weeks, 12 weeks and one year as part of routine NHS vaccinations.
The other protects young people against all four types and is usually given in Grade 9 (ages 13 to 14).
Meningitis Now calls for urgent awareness and action as new figures reveal a worrying rise in the disease.
The UKHSA’s latest statistics show there are 378 cases of IMD in 2024/25, compared to 340 cases in 2023/24.
The figures also reveal that cases of MenB, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, are also increasing. There were 313 cases compared to 301 the previous year.
Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now, said: ‘These figures are extremely worrying. Meningitis can affect anyone at any time, but these increases among teenagers, young adults and infants (some of the most vulnerable groups) show how vital it is to remain vigilant.
‘Early diagnosis saves lives, but prevention with vaccines remains the most effective way to protect against this devastating disease.’
Dr Nutt added: ‘Although there has been a decline in meningitis cases over the past decade, these new figures underline why our work, raising awareness, supporting families and striving to prevent the disease is as important as ever.’
Following news of the deaths, MP Rosie Duffield said: ‘Truly tragic news came from our university in Canterbury this weekend. Rumors have been floating around for a few days now, but you always hope for better news to come. ‘I think a lot about those who love these students.’
Meningitis can be fatal within a few hours of infection, and one in 10 people who contract bacterial meningitis die.
Between 30 percent and 50 percent of bacterial meningitis survivors will face long-term effects such as hearing loss, acquired brain damage, epilepsy, chronic pain, vision problems and amputation.
WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Anyone can be affected, but people at risk include those under five, those aged 15-24 and those aged over 45.
People with compromised immune systems, such as patients exposed to secondhand smoke or undergoing chemotherapy, are also at greater risk.
The most common forms of meningitis are bacterial and viral.
Symptoms of both include:
- Pale, blotchy skin with rashes that do not disappear when squeezed with glass
- stiff neck
- dislike of bright lights
- Fever and cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Numbness
- severe headache
Headache is one of the main symptoms
bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis requires immediate treatment with antibiotics in hospital.
About 10 percent of bacterial cases are fatal.
One-third of those who survive experience complications such as brain damage and hearing loss.
Limb amputation is a potential side effect if septicemia (blood poisoning) occurs.
Vaccines are available against some types of bacteria that cause meningitis, such as tuberculosis.
viral meningitis
The virus is rarely life-threatening but can cause long-term effects such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems.
Thousands of people suffer from viral meningitis in the UK every year.
Treatment focuses on hydration, painkillers and rest.
Although ineffective, patients may be given antibiotics when they arrive at hospital if they are suffering from the bacterial form of the disease.
Source: Meningitis Now
