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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Holly Evans

Meningitis B outbreak spreads to fourth Kent school as more cases confirmed

  • A fourth school in Kent has reported a suspected meningitis case, as pharmacists note a surge in demand for the MenB vaccine.
  • Health Secretary Wes Streeting has labelled the Canterbury outbreak as "unprecedented" and a "rapidly developing situation".
  • The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a targeted vaccination programme for students in University of Kent halls and distributed 700 doses of antibiotics.
  • Fifteen cases of meningitis have been recorded, an increase of two from Monday, with all affected individuals requiring hospitalisation.
  • Experts describe the outbreak as "unusual", with two fatalities reported: an 18-year-old pupil and an unnamed 21-year-old university student, and Meningitis B confirmed in some cases.

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