Kent meningitis outbreak as college pupil dies with ‘devastating’ assertion issued
A meningitis outbreak in Kent has killed two people including a Queen Elizabeth Grammar School pupil, while 11 others are seriously ill. The outbreak is believed to be linked to a Canterbury social event
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham confirmed the tragic passing of the pupil (file)
A Year 13 pupil has tragically died following a major meningitis outbreak in Kent. The outbreak has claimed two lives, whilst 11 others remain critically ill with the condition. The fatalities have been confirmed as a University of Kent student and a sixth-form pupil from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham.
The outbreak of the illness, which triggers inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, is thought to be connected to a recent social gathering in Canterbury.
Several of those hit by the outbreak had reportedly attended the event, reports Kent Live.
According to the MailOnline, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School headteacher Mrs A J McIlroy wrote in a letter to parents: “I am emailing to share the devastating news that one of our Year 13 students passed away yesterday from an extremely rare form of meningitis.
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“Our love and thoughts are with her family and her friends and over the next few days we will be doing all we can to support all members of our school community. We will be talking to all students tomorrow.
“Should your child need any additional support at this very sad time, please let us know.”
The victims have not been identified, but are understood to be aged between 17 and 21. Most of those admitted to hospital due to the outbreak fall within the same age bracket and are also thought to be students.
More than 30,000 students and staff have been alerted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
They have been told to be vigilant against symptoms, the Mail reported.
The UKHSA said it was arranging antibiotics for some students in Canterbury.
On Sunday (March 15), the university urged anyone who believes they have come into contact with those who have contracted the illness and have not been contacted by the UKHSA to attend the Senate university building between 9am and 4pm on Monday (March 16).
Experts have said the number and severity of cases is “very rare” and “extremely concerning”.
“This is not the type level of cases we have heard of for many, many years,” Trevor Reid of charity Meningitis Now said.
“It is very rare that we would see anything like this and we extremely concerned.”
Meningitis can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious form.
The illness can advance swiftly, resulting in grave health complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or even death if not treated promptly.
Typical symptoms include a high fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures.
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