Two college college students are lifeless and 11 are ‘significantly ailing’ in hospital amid ‘invasive’ meningitis outbreak

Published: 19:33, 15 March 2026 | Updated: 19:42, 15 March 2026

Two students at a British university have died after an ‘invasive’ outbreak of meningitis.

A further eleven people from the Canterbury area are said to currently be in hospital and are seriously ill.

More than 30,000 students, staff and their families have been contacted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to inform them of the risk.

The UKHSA said it was arranging antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury area following the outbreak.

Symptoms of meningitis include a high fever, being sick and a severe and worsening headache.

The disease can also cause life-threatening sepsis.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said students should be wary of confusing symptoms for ‘a bad cold, flu, or even a hangover’.

She added: ‘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.’

Anyone who becomes unwell has been urged to go to their closest A&E department or call 999.

A further seven people from the Canterbury are said to be currently in hospital and seriously ill (file image)

WHAT IS MENINGITIS?

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Anyone can be affected but at-risk people include those aged under five, 15-to-24 and over 45.

People exposed to passive smoking or with suppressed immune systems, such as patients undergoing chemotherapy, are also more at risk.

The most common forms of meningitis are bacterial and viral.

Symptoms for both include:

Pale, blotchy skin with a rash that does not fade when compressed with a glass
Stiff neck
Dislike of bright lights
Fever, and cold hands and feet
Vomiting
Drowsiness
Severe headache

Headache is one of the main symptoms

Bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis requires urgent treatment at hospital with antibiotics.

Some 10 per cent of bacterial cases are fatal.

Of those who survive, one in three suffer complications, including brain damage and hearing loss.

Limb amputation is a potential side effect if septicaemia (blood poisoning) occurs.

Vaccines are available against certain strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, such as tuberculosis.

Viral meningitis

Viral is rarely life-threatening but can cause long-lasting effects, such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems.

Thousands of people suffer from viral meningitis every year in the UK.

Treatment focuses on hydration, painkillers and rest.

Although ineffective, antibiotics may be given when patients arrive at hospital just in case they are suffering from the bacterial form of the disease.

Source: Meningitis Now

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Two college college students are lifeless and 11 are ‘significantly ailing’ in hospital amid ‘invasive’ meningitis outbreak

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