Second Student Dies Amid Kent Meningitis Outbreak, UKHSA Responds

A second student has died amid a meningitis outbreak in Kent, prompting UKHSA to contact thousands and provide antibiotics to close contacts. Schools and universities are responding with safety measures and support.

Second Student Death Confirmed in Kent Meningitis Outbreak

A pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham has been confirmed as the second fatality linked to a meningitis outbreak in Kent.

The school announced that the sixth form student passed away on Saturday.

Additionally, the University of Kent reported on Sunday that one of its students had died following the illness of 11 individuals due to an outbreak of invasive meningitis in the Canterbury area.

An aerial image of the University of Kent campus. — A University of Kent student has also died

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is contacting over 30,000 students, staff, and their families to inform them about the situation.

About Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can become severe if not treated promptly.

School Statement

"It is with great sadness that we can confirm that on Saturday one of our much loved students in Year 13, died of meningitis.

We are all absolutely devastated. Our love and thoughts are with their family and friends.

Our priority now is the safety, well-being and support of all members of our school community at this terribly sad time.

We will be working with UKHSA to ensure that all appropriate actions are taken to protect our students and staff."

Amelia McIlroy, headteacher at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, expressed the school's grief and commitment to safety.

Symptoms and Outbreak Details

Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:

High fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Seizures
Sleepiness or difficulty waking
Sensitivity to light
Cold, pale or blotchy skin
Rapid breathing
Fitting
Loss of appetite or thirst
Skin rash

The BBC understands the outbreak is believed to be linked to a social event in Canterbury attended by some of those who became ill.

University of Kent Response

In a message to students, acting vice-chancellor Georgina Randsley de Moura announced that in-person assessments would be suspended for the week, although the campus would remain open.

"Events like this affect people in different ways, and I recognise that many of us will feel shocked, distressed or in need of support."

UKHSA Actions

A UKHSA spokesperson stated that antibiotics are being arranged for some students in the Canterbury area following the outbreak. The specific strain of meningitis involved has not yet been identified.

A letter from UKHSA to University of Kent students and staff, reviewed by the BBC, advised that individuals living and working in certain campus blocks should receive antibiotics "without delay."

Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, highlighted the difficulty in recognizing symptoms among students.

"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."

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."

Health Advice

Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia is urged to seek immediate medical attention by visiting the nearest A&E department or calling 999.