The University of Kent has cancelled in-person exams amid an outbreak of meningitis in the area that has killed two people.
A student at the university became the first person to die in the recent outbreak, and now a school pupil’s life has also been claimed.
The university said in a statement: “We recognise that this is a very sad and worrying time for our community... There will be no in person assessments or exams this week.”
Tributes have been paid to the Year 13 pupil, named as Juliette, with Amelia McIlroy, headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar Faversham, describing her as “a genuinely caring and attentive listener, a true friend”.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that it had been notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis from Friday to Sunday in Canterbury.
Some students at the university are in hospital, while others have been given antibiotics, and long queues could be seen at one of its buildings on Monday morning as pupils waited for the drugs.
Local nightclub Club Chemistry said it has been contacted by officials to try to trace people who may be affected.
Key Points
- Kent university cancels in-person exams amid attempts to contain meningitis outbreak
- Kent school pays tribute to 'genuinely caring' pupil who died in meningitis outbreak
- School pupil becomes second person killed in meningitis outbreak
- Long queues seen at University of Kent as students wait for antibiotics
- Nightclub says it has been contacted in hope of tracing anyone affected
- What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Meningitis charity chief calls for more awareness and urges people to be vigilant
16:40 , Tara CobhamThe chief of the UK’s leading meningitis charity has called for more awareness around the disease and urged people to remain vigilant amid the latest outbreak.
Writing in The Telegraph, Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now, said: “This is a disease where speed can mean the difference between life and death. About one in 10 people who develop bacterial meningitis will die, and it can kill within 24 hours or less.
“For a long time in the UK, outbreaks involving many people have felt like something consigned to the past, largely thanks to vaccination programmes and better awareness. But this shows there is no room for complacency when it comes to meningitis.”
Plunge in number of young Britons vaccinated against meningitis due to Covid lockdowns could be to blame for outbreak
16:20 , Tara CobhamThe plunge in the number of young people vaccinated against meningitis as a result of Covid lockdowns could be to blame for the most recent outbreak of the disease.
The specific strain of meningitis that has led to the outbreak in Kent has not yet been identified, but if it is A, C, W or Y then it is looking especially likely that the pandemic-driven collapse in uptake of jabs among young Britons will be behind it.
“Uptake of the ACWY vaccine among adolescents is around 73 per cent, so there are a lot of unvaccinated students given the size of the student cohort,” Prof Andrew Preston, expert in microbial pathogenicity at University of Bath, told The Telegraph.
“So, an outbreak of this size and speed is very unusual, and of great concern. It will be important to ascertain the vaccination status of those affected.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that 20 per cent of Year 10 pupils were still not protected in 2023, three years after the first coronavirus lockdown.
Student tells of housemate's eight-hour wait to be seen for meningitis before spending night in hospital
16:00 , Tara CobhamA second-year law student at the University of Kent has described how his housemate spent eight hours waiting to be seen by medics for meningitis before spending the night in hospital.
The 20-year-old, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Press Association that he and his housemate went to their local urgent care centre on Sunday night and, while he was given antibiotics, his housemate was taken to hospital in Ashford.
Elsewhere in the queue, criminology and sociology student Thomas Layton said one of his flatmates from his first-year accommodation is in hospital with meningitis.
The 19-year-old said the student became ill on Saturday, adding: “She got really ill, we heard she was in hospital.
“We just came back to get the pill. [I’m] hoping to get the medicine and hopefully it doesn’t last too long what’s going on.”
He was queuing with friend Finlay Howard, 19, who said they did not know how their friend was: “We haven’t got a clue, just know they’re in hospital.”
Canterbury school issues warning to parents following meningitis outbreak
15:45 , Tara CobhamA Canterbury school has advised parents on the symptoms of meningitis to look out for following the outbreak in Kent.
In a letter to parents, Barton Court Grammar School headteacher Jonathan Hopkins wrote: “We are aware that some sixth-form students socialise with friends from other schools in the local area and may have visited venues in the city in recent weeks.
“At this time, we have not been informed that any Barton Court students have been diagnosed with meningitis.
“We will be contacting the UKHSA South East health protection team to register our concern and seek their guidance, and we will act immediately on any advice they provide.”
The letter lists symptoms of meningitis to watch our for and advises what to do if any appear.
“I understand that this will be worrying for many of you. While cases such as this remain rare, awareness of the symptoms and acting quickly are the best protection,” the letter added.
Nightclub in Canterbury closes for rest of week after meningitis deaths
15:30 , Tara CobhamA nightclub in Canterbury is closing for the rest of the week after two young people died in an outbreak of meningitis and others were admitted to hospital.
Club Chemistry said in a Facebook post on Monday afternoon: “We’ve made the decision to close the venue for the rest of this week.
“While we haven’t been directed to do so, the safety and wellbeing of our community, our guests and our staff comes first – always.
“We know this news may be worrying and we are working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
“We will share updates as soon as we have them.”
Club Chemistry owner Louise Jones-Roberts told the Press Association earlier on Monday that the venue had been contacted by the UKHSA to try to trace people who may be affected.
Kent university cancels in-person exams amid attempts to contain meningitis outbreak
15:20 , Tara CobhamThe University of Kent has cancelled in-person exams amid attempts to contain a meningitis outbreak.
It said in a statement issued to The Independent: “We recognise that this is a very sad and worrying time for our community and we are doing everything we can to offer advice and support.
“This is a regional public health matter and not specific to the University. The response is being led by the UKHSA and we are working with them and partners as the situation unfolds.
“Known contacts of existing cases in our community have been contacted and advised on next steps. Students impacted are being offered antibiotic treatment on our Canterbury campus.
“We have contacted all our students and staff to ensure they have all the latest advice and support they need, and we will continue to update via email and social media.
“As a further precautionary measure there will be no in-person assessments or exams this week – students have been contacted directly with details on alternative arrangements.
“We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.”
Watch: Students queue for antibiotics at University of Kent as two people die from meningitis in the area
15:00 , Tara Cobham
Students queue for antibiotics at the University of Kent amid meningitis outbreak
Kent Student Union issues warning to students over meningitis outbreak
14:40 , Tara CobhamThe University of Kent’s Student Union has issued a warning to students over the ongoing meningitis outbreak.
It said in a statement: “We’re working closely with the university and health authorities to keep students informed and supported.
“If you feel unwell or notice symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting or a rash, seek medical advice immediately. Please look out for each other and check in with friends who may be affected.”
Sixth form student among those queuing for medicine as line grows longer
14:23 , Dan HaygarthA sixth form student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, which confirmed one of its year 13 pupils had died, was also among those queuing for medicine.
Year 12 student Matthew Naylor said he was a possible close contact because he works with some of the girl’s friends, adding “it’s better to be safe than sorry”.
The 17-year-old said his school sent an email on Sunday night, adding: “It was quite a sad day in school”.
He said there was an assembly on Monday morning where health advice was given.
The line of students on the Kent University campus has become longer as the afternoon has gone on.
Whitstable GP issues urgent meningitis warning
14:56 , Tara CobhamA GP in Kent has issued an urgent meningitis warning as the deadly outbreak in the area continues.
Whitstable Medical Practice told anyone experiencing symptoms of the infection: “Do not come to the surgery or Urgent Treatment Centre. Please attend your nearest A&E department immediately.”
Get in touch
13:55 , Dan HaygarthIf you have been affected by the meningitis outbreak in Kent and would be willing to share your experience with The Independent, please get in touch.
You can email daniel.haygarth@independent.co.uk or newsdesk@independent.co.uk
Call for immediate catch up on vaccinations
13:40 , Dan HaygarthAbout the meningitis outbreak in Kent, Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association said: “People in Kent and beyond are understandably concerned.
“It is essential that the authorities fully utilise the capacity neighbourhood pharmacies can bring to tackling patient concern.
“Trained pharmacists are available on local high-streets to offer professional, personal advice – especially on what symptoms to look out for.
“Whilst most young children will have had the Meningitis B vaccine, as part of childhood immunisation since 2015, many teenagers and young adults will not have this vital protection.
“The NHS needs to urgently commission pharmacies to deliver an immediate catch-up programme targeted at university students and teenagers born before 2015.”
UKHSA 'contacting known contacts of any cases' at University of Kent
13:27 , Dan Haygarth
One of the two people who have died following the outbreak was a student at the University of Kent.
In its latest statement, issued at 11.30am on Monday, the university said: “We are continuing to work closely with public health colleagues as well as our partners in the local area as this situation develops.
“We have contacted all our students and staff to ensure they have all the latest advice and support they need, and we will continue to update via email and social media. These communications are shaped by the advice from the UKHSA who have oversight of the overall situation.
“They have also been contacting known contacts of any cases in our community with advice on what to do and any next steps.
“A reminder that there will be no in person assessments or exams this week, and Schools will be in direct contact with students to provide details on alternative arrangements.
“We recognise that this is a very sad and worrying time for many members of our community. Please remember that support services are available, and we encourage anyone who needs support to reach out to our Student Support and Wellbeing team.”
Year 13 student at Ashford school in hospital with suspected meningitis, letter shows
13:15 , Tara CobhamA letter sent to parents at The Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, Kent, said a year 13 student is in hospital with “a suspected case” of meningitis.
The letter said: “We are writing to inform you that a student in Year 13 has been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of meningitis.
“At this stage we have no confirmed diagnosis, but we are taking precautionary steps in line with public health guidance.
“We understand that news like this can be worrying. Our priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff and to keep you fully informed.”
'It feels very Covid-esque': Students queue to collect antibiotics
13:06 , Tara CobhamStudents have been queuing on the University of Kent campus in Canterbury to collect antibiotics.
A number of students were wearing face masks and staff handed out more to those waiting.
Law and criminology student Kirab Rhoda, from Uganda, said her mother had offered to book her a flight home following the news of the meningitis outbreak, but she was feeling reassured by the university handing out medicine.
“I feel reassured because the school cares, I feel safer than not any action taking place.
“This is really assuring to all students,” the 18-year-old said.
Law student Millie Inglis, 21, said she got a message to collect antibiotics because someone in her dance class “had some issues with it”.
“We were just pretty shocked. It just feels like a repeat, it feels very Covid-esque.
“As long as everyone’s alright, though, I guess that’s all that matters really. We’re just making sure that it doesn’t get any worse.”
Teenage brothers terrified after attending party hosted by friend now in hospital with meningitis
12:50 , Tara CobhamTwo teenage brothers have been left terrified after going to a party hosted by a friend who is now in hospital with meningitis.
Matthew McDonagh, 16, and his brother Luca , 17, were at a party in Whitstable, Kent, on Saturday with one person who has now been diagnosed with the infection.
Another person from their friendship circle was already in an induced coma after recently contracting meningitis.
Luca, who is in Year 13, has said that no one in his year group at Simon Langton Grammar School is allowed to go in for lessons.
He and his brother, also at the same school, were told to come to the University of Kent to receive a precautionary antibiotic.
Matthew told the Press Association: “It’s quite scary. Like, just like, I can’t believe it. It’s just insane. Yeah, it’s actually happening since Covid. I thought this literally never happened again, and then I’m in like, a massive queue.
“It’s completely unbelievable. I never thought this would happen again.”
They were both queuing at the university to collect antibiotics.
“We’ve been told that we don’t even know if the pill that they give you is actually going to help us,” Matthew said.
Luca said: “It’s pretty terrifying.”
‘I thought my daughter had a migraine at new year – hours later, she collapsed and died’
12:40 , Tara CobhamWhen Emily Charlotte Styles phoned home to say she had a migraine, her mother wasn’t worried and thought nothing of it.
The 19-year-old, who was staying at her boyfriend’s house nearby, often suffered from headaches but could usually fix them with an early night and some painkillers.
But, hours later, the teenager was being airlifted to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, having collapsed when she tried to get out of bed.
Rebecca Whittaker reports:
‘I thought my daughter had a migraine at new year – hours later she had died’
Kent school pays tribute to 'genuinely caring' pupil who died in meningitis outbreak
12:24 , Tara CobhamA school has paid tribute to a “genuinely caring” pupil who has become the latest person to die in an outbreak of meningitis in Kent.
Amelia McIlroy, headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar Faversham, said the Year 13 student was called Juliette, although she did not give the girl’s surname.
Ms McIlroy said: “It is with great sadness that we are confirming the loss of Juliette, a much loved and treasured member of our school community.
“Juliette was a student at our school for seven years. 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 was a genuinely caring and attentive listener, a true friend – who listened with warmth, respect and sincere interest to her peers and to our staff.
“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. Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends at this terribly sad time.
“Our priority now is the safety and well-being of all members of our school community and we are continuing to work closely with UKHSA.”
Watch: Simple way to check your meningitis vaccine status amid Kent outbreak
12:20 , Tara Cobham
Simple way to check your meningitis vaccine status amid Kent outbreak
'After my friend died of meningitis during her first week at university, I investigated the disease killing so many students'
12:13 , Tara CobhamKaty Fallon writes:
My friend Antonia was 18 years old when she died overnight from bacterial meningitis, during her first term at Oxford University, in October 2009. Seventeen years on, there is still not enough being done to inform students about the symptoms and dangers of the disease.
Two people have died following a meningitis outbreak in Kent this weekend – including a University of Kent student – and more than a dozen young people from the Canterbury area have reportedly been taken to hospital.
Although many people are aware meningitis mainly affects babies and children, university students are the second most “at risk” group for the disease. One in four 15-19 year olds will be carrying the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their throats, compared to one in ten of the overall UK population.
Read more here:
My friend died of meningitis while at university. Why does it still kill?
Local MP speaks to health secretary about meningitis outbreak
12:00 , Tara CobhamThe local MP in Kent has said she has spoken to the health secretary about the ongoing meningitis outbreak in her constituency.
Helen Whately, the Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, said: “I’ve been in contact with the health secretary and I’m expecting to hear from the UKHSA this morning.
“I’m trying to get information about what is being done locally to trace contacts and identify which students and school pupils are at risk.
“Also I want schools to be given briefings on what steps they should take and the advice to give to parents.”
What is the meningitis glass test?
11:50 , Tara CobhamSome bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia. People with septicaemia can develop a rash of tiny red or “pin-prick” marks which can develop into larger red or purple areas that look like bruises, according to Meningitis Now.
A glass can be used to check whether a rash fades under pressure. To do this press a clear glass firmly against the skin, if the rash does not fade, it is a warning sign that urgent medical attention is needed.
But experts urge people not to wait until someone develops a rash and to seek medical help if someone is ill and displaying these symptoms.
NUS 'saddened' over outbreak as they called for more awareness of meningitis
11:40 , Tara CobhamThe National Union of Students is “saddened” to hear of those affected by the Kent meningitis outbreak, as they called for more awareness of the disease.
Amira Campbell, president of the National Union of Students, said: "We are saddened to hear of the deaths, those who are hospitalised and the young people who are unwell.
"Our thoughts are with their family, friends and everyone at the University of Kent.
"We encourage everyone who is concerned to follow the advice being shared by health professionals.
"There is simply not enough awareness of meningitis, especially as young people head off to university.
"While we all expect the inevitable freshers flu, there are deadly viral strains also circulating, which students need to be protected against and aware of."
Are students and young people at particularly high risk?
11:30 , Tara CobhamDr Zina Alfahl Lecturer in Bacteriology at the University of Galway explained that for the general public in Kent or across the UK, the overall risk remains very low.
But she stressed teenagers and young adults are at a higher-risk.
“That’s partly because many people in this age group carry the bacteria in the nose or throat without symptoms, and it spreads through close contact such as coughing, kissing, or sharing drinks,” she said.
“University environments — halls of residence, parties, and large social networks — create conditions where the bacteria can spread more easily. That’s why vaccination programmes and rapid public-health responses often focus on students and young adults when clusters occur.”
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
11:22 , Tara CobhamEarly warning signs of meningitis include:
- High temperature
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
- Stomach cramps
As the condition develops it can cause:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Severe muscle pain
- Pale blotchy skin, spots or a rash
- Stiff neck
- A dislike of bright lights
- Convulsions or seizures
Teenagers and students at a higher risk, epidemiologist warns
11:16 , Tara CobhamAn epidemiologist has reassured that the overall risk to people in the Kent area is low, but teenagers and students are at a higher risk.
Prof Keith Neal, Retired Professor of the Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, University of Nottingham, said: “Risk to those in the Kent area is low although this is a community outbreak so there is a small risk; I suspect in the older teenage and student groups. Under 5s are most at risk of becoming seriously unwell with meningitis but teenagers and students are at a higher risk due to social mixing.”
“Determining the strain will help tell us what vaccine might be useful; a PCR test will be able to do this,” he added.
Expert warns almost 30 per cent of students are unvaccinated
11:14 , Tara CobhamThe MenACWY jab is offered to teenagers, sixth-form students and new university students to protect against several strains of meningitis.
But experts have warned that almost a third of students are not vaccinated.
“Uptake of the ACWY vaccine among adolescents is around 73 per cent, so there are a lot of unvaccinated students given the size of the student cohort,” Andrew Preston, Professor of Microbial Pathogenicity at University of Bath said.
He explained an outbreak of this size and speed is “very unusual and of great concern”.
“It is important to characterise the cause of the outbreak. A sudden change in disease pattern could indicate something like a new strain with different behaviours. It will be important to ascertain the vaccination status of those affected,” he added.
How will experts find out the strain?
11:13 , Tara CobhamThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had been notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis from Friday to Sunday in the Canterbury area of Kent.
Some students at the University of Kent have been given antibiotics while others are in hospital.
However, the specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified.
Dr Zina Alfahl Lecturer in Bacteriology at the University of Galway explained the strain will need to be identified by testing patient samples in a lab, this could be blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
She said: “Specialist reference laboratories can determine the serogroup of the bacteria and sequence its genome. That information is extremely useful because it tells public-health teams whether the cases are linked, which strain is circulating, and whether targeted vaccination or other interventions might help stop further spread.”
Nightclub says it has been contacted in hope of tracing anyone affected
11:11 , Tara CobhamA local nightclub has said it has been contacted by officials to try and trace people who may be affected by the meningitis outbreak.
Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry in Canterbury, said the venue had been contacted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in the hope of tracing anyone affected.
“We have been told somebody was in our club at the weekend who has since been diagnosed with meningitis,” she said.
“They have asked us if we have any methods for tracing who has been in to us.
“We have an ID scanner but that is more of a security measure… It takes pictures of some driving licences, ID cards and on so on.
“We’ve got tickets for events so we could trace ticket holders, but most people pay on the door.”
She said her thoughts were with the families of those affected by the meningitis outbreak.
“I’m devastated,” she said. “I can’t imagine what the families are going through.
“Our thoughts are with the families. Meningitis affects healthy, young people and this is devastating.
“We will stay closed until we get further advice from the UKHSA.”
Long queues seen at University of Kent as students wait for antibiotics
11:07 , Tara CobhamLong queues could be seen at the University of Kent’s Senate building on Monday morning as students waited for antibiotics.
Some students at the university have already been given antibiotics while others are in hospital.
Not all 16,000 students at the university will be given antibiotics, only those who are regarded as “close contacts” of those affected.
School pupil becomes second person killed in meningitis outbreak
11:05 , Tara CobhamA school pupil is the second person to have died following an outbreak of meningitis in Kent.
The student was in Year 13 at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham and is understood to have died on Saturday.
The other person who died attended the University of Kent.
