Two students aged between 18 and 21 have died amid an outbreak in the UK.
Health officials are investigating a meningitis outbreak in Kent after the deaths of two young people in the Canterbury area.
The cluster has been linked to Canterbury, with Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham confirming that a sixth form pupil died on Saturday (March 14).
The University of Kent also reported over the weekend that one of its students has died, while 11 people connected to the university have been seriously unwell.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was alerted to 13 cases showing signs and symptoms consistent with meningitis and septicaemia between Friday and Sunday in the Canterbury area.
As a precaution, experts have begun organising antibiotics for some students to help reduce the risk of infection.
At this stage, the exact strain responsible has not been confirmed.
Meningitis is an infection affecting the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It can become life-threatening without rapid treatment. While anyone can develop it, it is most often seen in babies, young children, and young adults.
Viral meningitis is more common and is typically less severe, while bacterial meningitis is less common but can be far more dangerous. Bacterial cases can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis) and may cause serious complications involving the brain.
According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) website: “Viral meningitis tends to get better on its own within 7 to 10 days and can often be treated at home.
“Getting plenty of rest and taking painkillers and anti-sickness medication can help relieve the symptoms in the meantime.
“Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems.”
By contrast, bacterial meningitis generally requires urgent treatment, and recovery outcomes can depend on how quickly care begins. Some people may experience longer-term health effects following infection.
These can include:
Information from the Mayo Clinic notes that early meningitis symptoms can resemble flu and may develop over a matter of hours or across a few days.
For people aged two and above, symptoms can include: