Two young people have died in an outbreak of meningitis in Kent as private supplies of vaccines run out. Here’s what we know about how the disease spread and what the authorities did to tackle it.
5-7 March
All the cases of the meningitis outbreak are linked to those who attended the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury, Kent, on 5, 6 or 7 March. The club has since closed voluntarily. Anyone who attended the club on these dates or who believes they were in close contact with someone who was, has been urged to take up the offer of antibiotics.
Friday 13 March
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is notified about the first case of someone being diagnosed with meningitis: a student at the University of Kent. Health officials begin identifying and tracing the patient’s immediate close contacts. They are all offered prophylactic antibiotics.
Saturday 14 March
The French authorities alert the UKHSA to a second confirmed case in France involving an individual who had attended the University of Kent. Both of the initial cases lived in private accommodation, but there is no apparent link between the two.
7pm 14 March
Hospitals report a number of severely unwell young people all presenting with symptoms consistent with meningococcal disease. Contact tracing of these individuals begins immediately. By Tuesday, 700 doses of antibiotics have been administered.
10am Sunday 15 March
The UKHSA starts a full-scale response, including preparations for more widespread distribution of antibiotics on the university campus in Canterbury. By 5pm, distribution to students begins at two halls of residence.
6pm Sunday 15 March
A public health alert is issued as it is confirmed that two people have died in the outbreak. It was later confirmed that one was a student at the University of Kent and one was a year 13 pupil at a school in Faversham.
Monday 16 March
The UKHSA contacts headteachers at two schools where two cases were identified involving sixth formers, including the school in Faversham where a pupil died. Letters to parents are issued.
9.30am Tuesday 17 March
The UKHSA confirms that testing shows the outbreak is a bacterial strain B of meningitis known as MenB. Four of the initial cases, including the two fatalities, are identified as this strain with another 11 cases under investigation. The UKHSA also confirms that all those born before 2015 have had no vaccine against MenB.
12.30pm Tuesday 17 March
The UKHSA announces a targeted vaccination programme against MenB for students living in halls of residence at the University of Kent in Canterbury. It says the programme may be expanded later.
