A university student and a year 13 pupil have died following an outbreak of “invasive” meningitis in Kent.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was notified of 13 cases of bacterial infection invasive meningococcal disease, with signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, in the Canterbury area between Friday and Sunday, with two people known to have died.
The University of Kent has confirmed that one was a student, while the headteacher of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham paid tribute to a year 13 student called Juliette, who has died.
Amelia 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.”
“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,” Mrs McIlroy added.
The UKHSA said it is working with the NHS to arrange antibiotics for a number of students in the Canterbury area as a “precautionary measure” following the outbreak. The specific strain has not been identified at the present time.
It said that “very occasionally” the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, including inflammation of the lining of the brain and blood poisoning, which can rapidly lead to sepsis.
Young people going on to university or college for the first time are particularly at risk of meningitis because they mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria in the back of their nose and throat.
Bacterial meningitis is spread by sneezing, coughing, kissing, sharing kitchen utensils, and sharing a toothbrush or cigarette, according to the NHS.
Canterbury nightclub Club Chemistry and the Tokyo Tea Rooms bar issued a joint statement on social media which read: “Some people who may have attended Club Chemistry could have been affected by the current outbreak.”
Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry, said the venue had been contacted by the UKHSA to assist in tracing the outbreak.
“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.”
“We will stay closed until we get further advice from the UKHSA”, she added.
Health officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and offering specialist advice to students. They urged anyone with symptoms to seek treatment.
Specialists are interviewing affected individuals and their families to “help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread”, the UKHSA added.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said: “We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved.
“Students and staff will understandably be feeling worried about the risk of further cases; however, we would like to reassure them that close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. Advice and support is being offered to the wider student community, and to local hospitals and NHS 111, and we’re monitoring the situation closely.
“Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.
“Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.”
A University of Kent spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that one student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis. Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.
“The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with public health teams and are in touch with staff and students to ensure they get the advice and support they need. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our community informed.”
In an update, the university said there will be no in-person assessments this week, but its campuses will remain open.
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