Health Secretary Wes Streeting told Parliament the deadly Kent meningitis outbreak is “unprecedented” as the number of cases rose to 15.
The number of cases has risen by two with all requiring hospital treatment, health chiefs revealed on Tuesday.
Four of those are confirmed to be the highly dangerous MenB strain, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, with the other cases under investigation.
In response, Mr Streeting announced a targeted vaccination programme for students living in halls of residence at the University of Kent in Canterbury, to “begin in the coming days.”
The outbreak - which is centred on Canterbury - has claimed the lives of two students.
The include an 18-year-old sixth form pupil called Juliette, who attended Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham.
Her father told the BBC that the family are “beyond devastated and they have no words to express their loss.”
The other person who died was a student at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, where hundreds of students - many wearing face masks - queued for antibiotics on Monday.
The UKHSA is advising anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on March 5, 6 or 7 to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a “precautionary measure”.
Follow the latest updates below...
Key points
- Strain of meningitis behind Kent outbreak is group B, UKHSA says
- Students hit out at officials over two-day delay in warnings about deadly meningitis outbreak
- Tributes paid to A-level student Juliette who died during the outbreak
- London woman 'hospitalised with suspected meningitis'
- French officials alert UK government health agency of case in France
- University of Kent students petition to close campus
Outbreak is a 'super-spreader event', says health chief
20:40 , Alastair LockhartUKHSA chief executive Susan Hopkins said: "This looks like a super-spreader event, with ongoing spread within the halls of residents in the universities.
"There will have been some parties particularly around this, so there will have been lots of social mixing.
“I can't yet say where the initial infection came from, how it's got into this cohort, and why it's created such an explosive amount of infections.
"I can say that in my 35 years working in medicine, in healthcare and hospitals, this is the most cases I've seen in a single weekend with this type of infection.
"It's the explosive nature that is unprecedented here. The number of cases in such a short space of time.
"NHS were initially managing it as a major incident in the region but they have now increased that overlay to having a national-level oversight as well."
'Quickest outbreak I've seen' - deputy chief medical officer
20:19 , Alastair LockhartEngland's deputy chief medical officer Dr Thomas Waite said: "This is by far the quickest-growing outbreak I've ever seen in my career, and I think probably any of us have seen of meningitis for a very long time.
"Whilst it remains an outbreak that is having its consequences in Kent, it is obviously of national significance."
Key points on the outbreak from the Health Secretary
19:20 , Alastair LockhartSpeaking earlier today, Health Secretary Wes Streeting set out a number of key points on what we know about the outbreak so far.
He told MPs "This is an unprecedented outbreak. It is also a rapidly developing situation."
He said the menB vaccine has been available on the NHS since 2015 as part of routine childhood immunisations, "but clearly most students would not be vaccinated".
He added: "Given the severity of the situation, I can confirm to the House that we will begin a targeted vaccination programme for students living in halls of residence at the University of Kent in Canterbury, which will begin in the coming days."
The programme may also expand further if other groups are deemed to be at risk.
Mr Streeting told the Commons his thoughts were "with the families and friends of those two young people who've sadly died", adding: "I cannot begin to understand what they must be going through."
He said he had asked the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to "re-examine eligibility for meningitis vaccines" for a wider group of people after it ruled an menB catch-up campaign for older children was not cost-effective.
The Health Secretary also told MPs he was "confident" that the UKHSA acted as "quickly and comprehensively as possible" in its response to the outbreak of meningitis, after criticism that it was too slow to act and inform the public.
Mr Streeting also set out:
- The cases "link back" to the Club Chemistry nightclub over the dates of March 5-7.
- The UKHSA was notified about the first case on Friday, March 13, and began tracing contacts and offering antibiotics "as a matter of urgency".
- On Saturday, the UKHSA was in touch with the University of Kent "to ensure they had the necessary support, advice, and guidance, and to establish where the patient was living."
- Also on Saturday, French authorities alerted the UKHSA to a second confirmed case in France in a person who had attended the University of Kent. Both people lived in private accommodation, "and at that stage, there was no apparent link between the two", Mr Streeting said.
- At 7pm on Saturday, hospitals locally reported that a number of "severely unwell young adults" were presenting with symptoms of meningitis. Contact tracing of those people "began immediately" and continued into Sunday morning.
- At 10am on Sunday, the UKHSA "stood up a full-scale response" and a public health alert was issued at 6pm.
Health chiefs tackle 'unprecedented' outbreak
18:31 , Alastair LockhartThousands of students in Kent are being urged to get vaccines and take antibiotics as health chiefs deal with an "unprecedented" outbreak of meningitis.
Some 15 cases of meningitis have so far been reported to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), up from 13 reported previously, including two deaths.
The number of cases is expected to rise because the incubation period for the infection - to when symptoms appear - is two to 14 days.
The outbreak is being viewed by experts as unprecedented owing to the high number of cases appearing in such a short space of time.
Around 5,000 students in university halls in Kent are to be offered the meningitis B vaccine in coming days.
Four schools in total across Kent have now confirmed cases and hundreds of people are being offered antibiotics.
Health officials stressed that people should not skip antibiotics if prescribed them, with a single tablet of Ciprofloxacin reducing the risk of meningitis in a household by around 80% to 90%.
All reported cases so far have a link to Kent, according to the UKHSA. At least one person who fell ill and had links to Kent attended a London hospital.
All the schools with confirmed cases
18:04 , Alastair LockhartFour schools in Kent have confirmed or suspected cases of meningitis among their pupils, as Wes Streeting said sixth form students and pupils should continue to attend schools.
There have been 15 cases reported to the UKHSA so far, with four confirmed to be meningitis B.
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.
Meningitis outbreak is "troubling" - Badenoch
17:00 , Benjamin LynchLeader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch has called the outbreak “really troubling”.
“My plea is for people to check themselves as soon as they have the slightest symptoms and also for everyone to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations,” she said, speaking to BBC South East.
She also said her “heart goes out” to families following deaths related to the infection.
Confusion at Kent school
16:39 , Benjamin LynchA short time ago, we reported on a letter sent to parents and carers of pupils at Dane Court Grammar School by school headteacher Martin Jones.
The school, in Broadstairs, had said a Year 13 student has tested positive for meningitis.
But it has now been confirmed that the student does not have the infection.
“Further to the letter that we shared with parents this morning, we have now been made aware that the student is not a confirmed case of meningitis, they remain under investigation and we will update you if we receive further information,” the school said.
It means the number of schools linked to the outbreak is four.
Fifth school linked to outbreak
16:24 , Benjamin LynchDane Court Grammar School in Broadstairs, Kent, has confirmed a case of meningitis.
“Dear parent/carer, we would like to inform you that a Year 13 student has tested positive for meningitis,” a letter sent to parents by the school’s headteacher Martin Jones said.
Mr Jones said the letter contained information for guardians regarding what to do if they are concerned about a child’s health.
“We are awaiting specific advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).” he said, adding that the school is “fully open and functioning as normal”.
“This is containable,” says Streeting
16:09 , Benjamin LynchHealth Secretary Wes Streeting has said he believes the outbreak is containable.
“Wider public health messaging” and measures including a vaccination campaign, the distribution of antibiotics and contact tracing are being followed, the Health Secretary said.
He told broadcasters these factors “give me absolute confidence that this is containable, but we’ll be working proactively and around the clock to make sure that we contain this as best we possibly can”.
'Vapes should not be shared' expert says
15:29 , Megan HoweJamie Strachan, operations director at VPZ said sharing vapes is a “preventable risk” for catching viral and bacterial infections such as meningitis.
He has urged young people to avoid using vapes for anything other than personal use to prevent the spread of infection.
It comes after one mother claimed her daughter had been hospitalised with meningitis after sharing a vape at a social event.
Mr Strachan, of The Vaping Specialist, said: "The meningitis outbreak in Kent is a serious public health concern, and it is vital that people understand how infections like this can spread through everyday behaviours.
"Meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection that is transmitted through close contact and the exchange of saliva and respiratory droplets.
"However, sharing a vape can create a direct route for that transmission, in the same way as sharing drinks or other close-contact activities.
"The risk is not the vape itself, but the act of passing it between individuals.
"Vaping is often a social behaviour, particularly among young adults, where devices may be shared casually. In the context of an outbreak, this becomes a preventable risk.
"Vapes are designed as personal devices and should never be shared.
"As a precautionary measure, we have removed all tester bars from our stores in Kent and within a 20-mile radius of the region to further reduce any potential for cross-use and support wider public health efforts.
"We support vaping as a harm reduction tool for adult smokers, and responsible use includes maintaining device hygiene and ensuring it is only used by one person.
"During an outbreak such as this, small behavioural changes can help reduce transmission. Avoiding the sharing of vapes is a simple, practical step that supports wider public health efforts.
"We strongly encourage the public to follow health guidance and be mindful of how infections spread.
"Not sharing a vape is a straightforward step that can help protect yourself and others."
Fourth school in Kent linked to the outbreak
14:25 , Megan HoweA fourth Kent school has confirmed it is linked to the outbreak.
Highworth Grammar School said in a statement: "We are sad to report we have a Year 13 student who has been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of meningitis.
"Our thoughts are with them and their family who, at this stage, are waiting for a confirmed diagnosis.
"We are supporting all our students regarding this update, taking specific precautionary measures on hygiene and sharing key information regularly with the school community.
"We are in contact with the UK Health Security Agency and will be monitoring the health and wellbeing of all our students very carefully.
"We also extend our deepest sympathy to everyone who has been affected by the tragic loss of two students in our local area."
Pharmacy bookings for meningitis jabs surge amid outbreak
14:10 , Megan HowePharmacies are seeing a surge in demand for private meningitis B vaccinations amid fears over the outbreak in Kent.
The MenB vaccine became available in 2015 and has reduced infections by 75% for those immunised. However, the current generation of students will not be covered by the vaccine, unless their parents paid for it privately.
High street chains including Superdrug, Boots and Well Pharmacy all offer the vaccine.
Superdrug says bookings for its meningitis service are now 65 times higher than they were this time last week.
How much is it?
• Superdrug - The vaccination is £110 per dose and up to £330 for the full course
• Boots - The vaccination is £110 per dose and £220 for the full course
• Well Pharmacy - The vaccination is £110 per dose
• Asda has a full MenB couirse for £179.76
Despite the surge in demand for vaccines, experts are stressing that the immediate priority remains antibiotics.
Government to 'look at the handling' of the UKHSA's response to the outbreak, Streeting says
13:58 , Megan HoweThe Government will “look at the handling” of the UK Health Security Agency’s response to the meningitis B outbreak in Kent, the Health Secretary has said.
Wes Streeting was responding to Stuart Andrew, the shadow health secretary, who said there had been “concerns” raised about the timeline for public communication, and questioned whether thresholds for alerting the public would be reviewed.
In his response, Mr Streeting told MPs: “Once we’re through this, we will obviously look at the handling of UKHSA’s response at every point, because inevitably there are always things that we can learn and seek to do better.
“The balance that needed to be sought in terms of public communication was to make sure that people were informed in a time timely way, but also to make sure of two things: firstly, we didn’t spread unnecessary anxiety and concern, and secondly, that having been made aware of the risk that there was a channel through which people could receive support.”
London woman 'hospitalised with suspected meningitis'
13:34 , Megan HoweA man who queues in Kent for precautionary antibiotics claims has sister has been hospitalised in London with suspected meningitis.
Josh, 26, who works in logistics in Aylesham said his 24-year-old sister had been admitted to hospital after he had seen her on Mother’s Day.
He told KentOnline: "Now the slight concern for us is that I'm not a student here, my girlfriend's not a student here, my sister's not a student here and she's come down potentially with meningitis, so where's that come from?
"So we called 111 and said to them, you know, this is what's happened, what do you advise? And they sent us up here to come and get the antibiotic basically.”
Josh said his sister did not attend Club Chemistry as far as he is aware.
He added: "My sister's up in London most of the time, living in London, working up there. I don't have any contact with anybody at the university.
"So for us to be in this situation - I'm not overly worried, I feel fine - but it's more of a precaution than anything, just to be sure."
French officials alert UK government health agency of case in France
13:27 , Megan HoweFrench officials alerted the UKHSA to a meningitis case in France of somebody who attended the University of Kent on Saturday.
Running through a timeline of the spread, Wes Streeting said hospitals reported later on Saturday a “number of severely unwell young adults were presenting with symptoms consistent with meningococcal disease”.
He said: “All those traced were offered precautionary antibiotics. So far 700 doses have been administered.”
He confirmed officials from the Department of Health and Department for Education are working together with wider communications and schools in Kent.
All cases treated as linked to Club Chemistry, says Streeting
13:21 , Megan HoweLabour MP Jim Dickson has asked for reassurance that the meningitis outbreak is linked to a “very specific venue”.
West Streeting has reassured him that “all cases are presently being treated as linked” to the nightclub Club Chemistry.
However, the government is “not taking that for granted” and will continue to assess the information.
Queue for antibiotics much smaller on Monday
13:14 , Megan HoweThe queue at the University of Kent campus in Canterbury for meningitis medication was much smaller than on Monday.
Sports coach Ovi Bazunu was sent by the school where he works on Tuesday to get antibiotics as a precaution because of his age, but he said there are no cases at his school.
The 24-year-old Canterbury resident said the city feels quieter since the outbreak.
He said: "Definitely everywhere even just walking down to work it was a lot quieter."
"Students... make a lot of the population."
Meanwhile, law student Harmoor Gojra, 25, came for antibiotics after being in contact with someone in his accommodation who has a cold and had been to the hospital.
"He's doing fine generally, but just being safe," he said.
Targeted vaccination programme in "coming days"
12:59 , Benjamin LynchA targeted vaccination programme will begin in the “coming days”.
"Given the severity of the situation, I can confirm to the house that we will begin a targeted vaccination programme for students living in halls of residence at the University of Kent in Canterbury, which will begin in the coming days," Mr Streeting said.
Students urged to come forward
12:56 , Benjamin Lynch“Anyone” who attended Club Chemistry in Canterbury on March 5, 6 and 7, as well as those who believe they were in close contact with someone who is “confirmed or suspected” to have meningitis should attend a treatment centre and receive antibiotics, Mr Streeting said.
He said four centres are open in Canterbury, with 11,000 doses available. Details of the centres can be found on the UKHSA website.
No appointment is necessary.
Students offered antibiotics
12:51 , Ben LynchAntibiotics were offered to students in two halls of residences at the University of Kent from 5pm on Sunday, Mr Streeting said.
“Even before the public health alert was issued, students and young people who had been in close contact with suspected cases, had been offered antibiotics,” the Health Secretary said.
He said he is “confident” that the UKHSA responded quickly to the situation.
"Unprecedented outbreak" Streeting tells Commons
12:44 , Benjamin Lynch“This is an unprecedented outbreak,” the Health Secretary Wes Streeting said in a statement to the House of Commons, adding that the situation was “rapidly developing”.
He said that four cases of MenB had been confirmed as of this morning. A further 11 cases are under investigation.
Spotting MenB
12:28 , Benjamin LynchSymptoms of MenB can include a sudden offset of fever, a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, vomiting, drowsiness and sensitivity to bright lights.
The UKHSA said early symptoms “can often be confused with other illnesses such as a cold, flu or hangover”.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting to address MPs
11:44 , Megan HoweHealth Secretary Wes Streeting will address MPs in the House of Commons at around 12:30 today.
According to the parliamentary authorities he will make a statement on the "meningococcal disease outbreak". We will bring you the key lines from what he says.
Mother claims daughter caught meningitis after 'sharing a vape'
11:43 , Megan HoweKhali Goodwin, from Herne Bay, told The Sun her daughter, Keeleigh, 21, was rushed to A&E on Saturday night just before midnight after starting to feel unwell with a fever around six hours prior.
She was later diagnosed with meningitis, to her mother’s surprise, as Ms Goodwin told the newspaper her daughter “had all her vaccinations”.
However, this particular strain of meningitis is not covered by the vaccine.
The MenB vaccine became available in 2015, reducing infections by 75% for those immunised.
However, the current generation of college and university students will not be covered by the vaccine, unless their parents paid for it privately.
Ms Goodwin told the newspaper she fears the infection may have been spread through ‘vape sharing’.
“She did say that one of her friends also has sort of the same symptoms, obviously not as bad, but they’ve been sharing a vape,” she told The Sun.
“I think sharing vapes is a major way of it being passed.”
University of Kent students petition to close campus
11:32 , Megan HoweA growing number of students at the University of Kent are petitioning for the temporary closure of the campus, saying they no longer feel safe attending in-person exams or lectures due to the meningitis outbreak.
The petition has over 5,000 signatures so far.
Students have called on the university to consider putting measures in place to “prioritise the wellbeing of students and staff”.
“Students should not feel forced to choose between protecting their wellbeing and continuing their education,” the petition reads.
Archbishop of Canterbury says her 'prayers are with families' of two who died
11:12 , Megan HoweThe new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has described the deaths of two young people in a meningitis outbreak in Kent as a "devastating loss".
In a statement published on Tuesday as she prepares to make a pilgrimage from London to Canterbury, Dame Sarah said: "My prayers are with the families of the two young people who have tragically died in the meningitis outbreak in Kent. My heart goes out to them in their devastating loss.
"I'm praying too for all those who've been affected by the outbreak, and for everyone working so hard to care for them and protect local communities."
Dame Sarah will embark on her six-day walk to Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday afternoon, setting off from St Paul's Cathedral.
Current generation of students not covered by vaccine
09:42 , Megan HoweThere is a vaccine available, which is given to vaccines, that protects against the most common but not all group B bacteria.
Since it was introduced in 2015, MenB infections have been reduced by around 75% in those immunised.
However, the current generation of college and university students will not be covered by the vaccine, unless their parents paid for it privately.
MenB vaccinations generally cost between £100 and £150 per dose, which would be too expensive for many households.
The risk for MenB is highest in very young children and older teenagers or young adults. Those who go to university often mingle in large groups where meningitis can be contracted.
A previous vaccination campaign for teenagers was not considered to be cost-effective because the vaccine is expensive and does not stop the spread of the infection.
Vaccines can be used to help control an outbreak, however, the vaccine would need to match the strain of group B that is spreading.
Where did the meningitis outbreak begin?
08:52 , Megan HoweIt is understood some of the cases of the meningitis outbreak in Canterbury have been linked to Club Chemistry in the city.
Some of the young people who contracted meningitis visited the club shortly before becoming ill.
Anyone who was at the nightclub on March 5, 6 and 7, has been asked to come forward to receive precautionary antibiotics.
The outbreak is also being linked to a house party in Whitstable.
Two teenage brothers have been left terrified after going to a party which was host 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.
He and his brother, also at same school, were told to come to the University of Kent to receive a precautionary antibiotic.
Meningitis symptoms: the warning signs everyone should know
08:27 , Megan HoweMeningitis is an infectious disease that affects the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection that can be spread through coughing, sneezing or kissing.
It is possible to get meningitis more than once.
It is understood the outbreak in Kent is linked to a social event in Canterbury, which some of those who fell ill attended.
Outbreaks of meningococcal disease, or MenB, are rare but can occur in places where there are large groups of people, such as university campuses.
Read our explainer on meningitis:
People arriving for antibiotics this morning
08:14 , Megan HowePeople have started arriving at the health clinic at the University of Kent this morning.
Around 1,300 doses were handed out yesterday, with more clinics open in Canterbury and Broadstairs today.
Here’s a reminder of the size of the queues yesterday:
Outbreak is contained in Kent, health officials says
07:54 , Megan HoweSpeaking to BBC Radio 5 Live this morning, the UK Health Security Agency's Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam confirmed the outbreak was contained in Kent.
"As serious and devastating as this current outbreak is, it’s very much contained in the local area in Canterbury and Kent, we’re not seeing this spread more widely," she says.
She confirmed the disease does not spread easily and requires “very close, prolonged contact” such as kissing.
What has the government said about its response time?
07:49 , Megan HoweThe UK Health Security Agency has said its response to the MenB outbreak has been “very swift” after questions were raised about the speed of its response.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, from the agency, tells BBC Radio 5 Live the first cases were identified on Saturday.
She said initial cases "were taken extremely seriously", with local public health teams immediately "identifying the closest contacts who would benefit from preventative antibiotics".
Dr Amirthalingam says the pace of this outbreak is “certainly unusual”, with several cases appearing in a short period of time.
Students hit out at officials over two-day delay in warnings about deadly meningitis outbreak
07:40 , Megan HoweStudents at the University of Kent have criticised officials for their alleged delayed response in releasing the meningitis alert, branding the move as “unforgivable”.
Hundreds of university students were seen waiting in queues for precautionary antibiotics on Monday following the outbreak, which has led to two deaths.
Juliette, an 18-year-old sixth form student died on Saturday, while the other fatality was a 21-year-old student at the University of Kent, who has not been named.
Fourth-year University of Kent student, Tia Challis, said the response from officials had left many feeling angry.
The 22-year-old told KentOnline that “everyone knew already before the uni had put that out. I think that is just a bit unforgivable.”
She claimed rumours of an outbreak began circulating on social media and in group chats before an alert was issued.
Another student, Katie Lauton, 24, said she decided to wear a face mask on campus this week after she found out about the outbreak from her course group chat.
The UK Health Security Agency has said its response to the MenB outbreak has been "very swift" after cases were first identified on Saturday.
Club Chemistry in Canterbury releases statement following meningitis outbreak
07:29 , Megan HoweClub Chemistry in Canterbury, which has been linked to the meningitis cases, released a statement yesterday.
“Some people who may have attended Club Chemistry could have been affected by the current outbreak,” it said.
“We are awaiting further information from the UK Health Security Agency, which we will share with you as soon as we have it. Please look out for each other. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this.”
Strain of meningitis behind Kent outbreak is group B, UKHSA says
07:27 , Megan HoweThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the strain of meningitis behind the cases in Kent is MenB, which involves the invasive meningococcal group B bacteria.
This bacterica can also cause septicaemia or blood poisoning.
Early symptoms of MenB can include a sudden offset of fever, a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, vomiting, drowsiness and sensitivity to bright lights.
However, as the UKHSA has said previously, the symptoms are not always present.
Unlike viral meningitis, which can improve on its own, MenB is more serious and often needs hospital care. One in 10 cases of MenB are fatal.
Most people make a full recovery from meningitis if treated quickly, although the bacterial form of the disease can result in long-term complications such as issues with hearing or vision, epilepsy, or difficulties with memory, concentration or balance.
Routine vaccinations are available to help protect against viral and bacterial meningitis.
The MenB vaccine is offered to babies and young children, although the UKHSA points out that the MenB vaccine does not protect against all strains of the MenB bacteria.
Tributes paid to A-level student Juliette who died during the outbreak
07:13 , Megan HoweA sixth from student, Juliette, died after contracting meningitis.
The 18-year-old, studying for her A-level exams at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, was named as one of two people who have died following the outbreak in Canterbury.
Her family has requested her surname not be publicised.
Juliette’s family have shared a photo of her and said they are "beyond devastated and they have no words to express their loss".
Amelia McIlroy, Juliette’s head teacher, said the school was “devastated” at her passing, describing her as kind, thoughtful and intelligent.
Ms McIlroy said: “Juliette was a student at our school for seven years. She was incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent, and she loved our school.
“Juliette embraced everything that school had to offer with great enthusiasm and joy, and her humour and her positivity were captivating.
“She was a genuinely caring and attentive listener, a true friend who listened with warmth, respect and sincere interest to peers and to 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 completely devastated.”
Kent meningitis outbreak - what we know so far
07:01 , Megan HoweA sixth form student and a student at the University of Kent have died following an outbreak of meningitis in the Canterbury area of Kent.
Eleven people are believed to be seriously ill in hospital, most aged between 18 and 21, with 13 cases notified since March 13.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has swung into action, with staff, parents and over 30,000 university students issued advice on the rare but deadly disease.
Cases are being linked to a club in the city.
The UKHSA has urged anyone who visited the Canterbury nightclub Club Chemistry on March 5, 6 or 7 to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure.
Hundreds of college and university students were seen queuing for antibiotics on Monday, while staff were seen handing out face masks to prevent the spread.
Meningitis is a serious condition in which the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord are infected with bacteria or a virus and become inflamed.
It can come on suddenly and can be fatal if left untreated.
Viral meningitis often gets better on its own, but bacterial meningitis is more serious - one in 10 cases are fatal.
Live coverage begins
06:44 , Michael HowieWelcome to our live coverage of the meningitis outbreak which has claimed two lives in Kent and left a number of other people in hospital.
We’ll bring you all the major developments as the day progresses.
