Two people have died and 11 are reportedly seriously ill in hospital after an outbreak of a rare form of invasive meningitis at the University of Kent.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had provided antibiotics to students in the Canterbury area after it detected 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, a combination of meningitis and septicaemia.
The fast-acting disease is caused by meningococcal bacteria spreading to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which causes meningitis, and infecting the bloodstream, which causes sepsis.
The UKHSA said anyone with meningitis and septicaemia symptoms should seek medical help urgently, which could help save lives.
Symptoms include rashes, a sudden fever, severe headaches, a stiff neck, vomiting and diarrhoea, joint and muscle pain, sensitivity to bright lights, cold hands and feet, seizures, confusion and extreme sleepiness.
One of the people who died was a University of Kent student, while the BBC reported another 11 young people were seriously ill in hospital.
Specialists at the UKHSA have been interviewing the families of those affected to identify close contacts and arrange antibiotics. The specific strain of the disease has not been identified.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA south-east deputy director, said: “We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved.
“Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.”
She added: “Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.”
She said checking on a friend if they go to bed unwell and seeking medical help “could save their life”.
A University of Kent spokesperson said they were “deeply saddened” that one of their students had died.
“Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time,” they said. “The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.”
They adding that the university was working closely with public health teams to make sure staff and students get the advice and support they need.
Tom Nutt, chief executive of charity Meningitis Now, urged students and staff to remain vigilant for symptoms as the disease “can progress very quickly” and can have a “devastating” impact.
He added: “University students and young adults are among the groups at increased risk because meningitis bacteria can spread more easily in settings where people live, study and socialise closely together.”
