Meningitis Outbreak Claims Second Life in Kent
A Year 13 pupil and a University of Kent student have died after contracting meningitis amid an outbreak in Kent, while 11 others remain seriously ill in hospital.
An MP has confirmed the death of the school pupil as the second fatality linked to the outbreak. Over the weekend, the University of Kent student passed away after contracting the disease, with 11 additional individuals seriously ill and hospitalized.
MP Helen Whately Expresses Condolences and Concern
On Monday, Helen Whately, the Member of Parliament for Faversham and Mid Kent, stated:
“The meningitis outbreak in our area is a huge shock. Feeling so deeply sad for the young lives lost – a year 13 pupil at QEGS [Queen Elizabeth’s grammar school] and a uni of Kent student. My heart goes out to their families.”
In a Facebook post, she further commented:
“It’s incredibly worrying too for the families of the young people in hospital, and others at risk. I am asking the urgently for more information and guidance, especially given the rumours going round about where they may have picked it up.”
Whately also mentioned that she had spoken with the health secretary, Wes Streeting, and was expecting communication from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Monday morning.
UKHSA Reports Cases and Preventive Measures
The UKHSA reported receiving notifications of 13 cases exhibiting signs and symptoms of meningitis between Friday and Sunday. Some students at the University of Kent have been administered antibiotics, while others are hospitalized. The specific meningitis strain involved has not yet been identified.
A UKHSA spokesperson stated:
“We can confirm that UKHSA has worked with the University of Kent to provide advice letters to all 16,000 students, advising on recent cases, signs and symptoms, how to obtain antibiotics, and what to do if they feel unwell.”
They added that antibiotics were only given to students considered close contacts of affected individuals, not to all students.
Local Venue Responds to Meningitis Case
Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry in Canterbury, reported being contacted by the UKHSA regarding the outbreak.
“We have been told somebody was in our club at the weekend who has since been diagnosed with meningitis. They have asked us if we have any methods for tracing who has been in to us.
“We have an ID scanner but that is more of a security measure … It takes pictures of some driving licences, ID cards and on so on. We’ve got tickets for events so we could trace ticket holders, but most people pay on the door.”
She expressed sympathy for those affected:
“I’m devastated. I can’t imagine what the families are going through. Our thoughts are with the families. affects healthy, young people and this is devastating.”
Information on Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal bacteria can cause severe illnesses such as inflammation of the brain lining and blood poisoning, which can rapidly progress to sepsis.
While meningitis can affect anyone, it is most common among babies, children, teenagers, and young adults.
The UKHSA advises anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia to seek urgent medical attention. Symptoms include rash, sudden fever, severe headaches, stiff neck, vomiting, diarrhoea, joint and muscle pain, sensitivity to bright lights, cold hands and feet, seizures, confusion, and extreme sleepiness.
