A meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury and Mid-Kent area has grown to 13 confirmed cases between Friday and Sunday, and has claimed two lives, health authorities and local schools say.
Meningitis Outbreak Size and Immediate Response
Public health officials have identified 13 cases during the latest cluster, which includes two deaths: a sixth-form pupil from Faversham and a university student at the University of Kent in Canterbury, about 10 miles apart. A further 11 people were taken ill with symptoms of the disease.
On the university campus, hundreds of students lined up to receive doses of antibiotics, with some wearing face masks while they waited. The university confirmed that one of its students had died from invasive meningitis and that efforts to distribute preventive antibiotics were underway.
Tributes To Sixth-Form Pupil Juliette
The sixth-form pupil who died was named Juliette by staff at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham. Headteacher Amelia McIlroy paid tribute, saying: “It is with great sadness that we are confirming the loss of Juliette, a much loved and treasured member of our school community. “
McIlroy described Juliette as having been a pupil at the school for seven years and added: “She was incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent and she loved our school and was very happy here. Juliette embraced everything that school had to offer with great enthusiasm and joy and her humour and positivity were captivating. “
She continued: “In short, she was a lovely girl – her beautiful smile, her loving nature and her sense of fun will be hugely missed. We are all devastated. ” The school said it has been working closely with the UK Health Security Agency as it responds to the outbreak.
University Measures, Student Reactions and Local Officials’ Concerns
At the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus, long queues formed as students collected antibiotics after being contacted because of possible exposure. Many turned up after being approached directly by health authorities; others arrived after calling health helplines.
Teaching at the university has finished for the term and exams are under way. The institution said all assessments due this week will be moved online, affecting about 1, 700 students, while the campus remains open and quieter than usual. A university spokesperson said: “It’s not a Covid lockdown situation. There are still staff and students around. It’s quieter because teaching has finished anyway. “
Students described shock and concern. Law and criminology student Kirab Rhoda said her mother had offered to fly her home when news of the outbreak broke but that she felt reassured by the university handing out medicine. Another student said getting a message to collect antibiotics felt “very Covid-esque” but added the priority was ensuring the situation did not worsen.
Local elected officials expressed alarm at the impact on families and students. The member of parliament for Faversham and Mid Kent said the outbreak was a “huge shock” and expressed deep sadness for the young lives lost, while noting concern for those in hospital and others at risk. She said she had asked the NHS for more information and guidance and had been in contact with national health officials about the response.
Health teams continue contact-tracing and the distribution of antibiotics as they work to contain the cluster. Officials have urged those who have been notified to collect medication and to remain alert for symptoms while investigations continue.
