An outbreak of meningitis in Kent has tragically led to the deaths of two young people, with four schools across the county reporting confirmed or suspected cases among their pupils.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched an investigation into the cluster of infections.
To date, 15 cases have been reported to the UKHSA, four of which have been confirmed as meningitis B.
Among the fatalities is a Year 13 student from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, named locally as Juliette Kenny, who died over the weekend.
A student at the University of Kent has also passed away from the infection.
Despite the concerning situation, Wes Streeting has advised that sixth form students and other pupils should continue to attend schools.
Health Secretary Mr Streeting said students at schools who visited the Club Chemistry nightclub or who have had close contact with the infection should attend sites for antibiotics, but they are not advising school closures.
The four schools that have confirmed or suspected cases currently are:
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Faversham – A year 13 pupil named as Juliette Kenny has died in the outbreak.
- Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford – Confirmed a meningitis diagnosis on Monday for a pupil admitted to hospital.
- Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, Canterbury – The BBC reported on Monday a year 13 pupil is in hospital with meningitis.
- Highworth Grammar School, Ashford – Said on Tuesday a year 13 pupil had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of meningitis.
It had been reported a year 13 student at Dane Court Grammar School in Broadstairs also had the infection, but the school has since said the case is not confirmed.
Kent County Council has confirmed all its mainstream schools are open as normal.
Two specialist school are closed as a precaution – Nore Academy, a special school (SEMH), and the co-joined alternative provision Estuary Academy Island.
