Two dead and 11 seriously ill in meningitis outbreak at University of Kent

An outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease at the University of Kent in Canterbury has resulted in two deaths and 11 hospitalizations. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 13 cases of the disease, which is a combination of meningitis and septicaemia. As a precaution, the UKHSA has provided antibiotics to students in the Canterbury area to combat the fast-acting illness. The agency is working to control the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease among the student population. Meningococcal disease can be very serious if not treated quickly.