A third school has confirmed it has been affected by the recent meningitis outbreak in Kent which has claimed the lives of two people and left two others in a coma.
Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford has confirmed that one of its Year 13 students has meningitis.
‘We have now been informed that the diagnosis has been confirmed, and the student is receiving appropriate hospital treatment,’ says a statement from the headteacher.
‘Our thoughts are with them and their family at this difficult time.’
The school had earlier warned parents about the potential diagnosis, saying it was taking ‘precautionary steps in line with public health guidance.’
One pupil from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, named Juliette, and another pupil from the University of Kent have died after contracting the disease.
Students queue at the University of Kent in Canterbury today amid the meningitis outbreak
Students queue at the University of Kent in Canterbury today amid the meningitis outbreak
Amelia McIlroy, head teacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, told parents: ‘It is with great sadness that we can confirm that on Saturday one of our much loved students in Year 13, died of meningitis. We are all absolutely devastated.
‘Our love and thoughts are with their family and friends. Our priority now is the safety, well-being and support of all members of our school community at this terribly sad time.
‘We will be working with UKHSA to ensure that all appropriate actions are taken to protect our students and staff.’
She added: ‘If your child feels unwell – particularly with vomiting, purple-bluish bruise-type markings, unexplained high temperature or has cold hands and feet – you should seek immediate medical attention for them.’
Casey Marlow, 19, is another victim of the meningitis outbreak. She was rushed to hospital a few days after she and her friends visited a Canterbury nightclub to celebrate her birthday.
Casey’s mother Emma Marlow, 38, spoke to the Daily Mail today from her daughter’s bedside in an isolation ward at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.
She gave permission for this website to use the shocking photograph of her daughter, who appears weak and exhausted after being diagnosed with meningitis.
Mrs Marlow, a custody detention officer from Ashford, explained that Casey began to feel ill a few days after the night out and her condition quickly deteriorated.
Casey Marlow, 19, was rushed to hospital a few days after her and her friends spent the evening at a nightclub thought to be at the centre of the deadly outbreak of meningitis
Casey’s mother Emma Marlow said her daughter should make a full recovery with antibiotics
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.