The UK Health Security Agency is investigating a meningitis outbreak that has killed two young people, with four Kent schools reporting confirmed or suspected cases among pupils
Several schools across the UK have reported confirmed or suspected meningitis cases amongst their students. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is probing a meningitis outbreak that has claimed the lives of two young people.
To date, 15 cases have been reported to the UKHSA, with four confirmed as meningitis B. It’s understood that four schools in Kent have either confirmed or suspected meningitis cases.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated that sixth form students and pupils should continue attending their schools, reports Birmingham Live.
Mr Streeting explained that students from schools who had visited the Club Chemistry nightclub or who have had close contact with the infection should attend designated sites for antibiotics – however, they are not recommending school closures.
The headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, in Faversham, paid tribute on Monday (March 16) to year 13 pupil named locally as Juliette Kenny.
Juliette is understood to have died at the weekend from the infection. A student at the University of Kent has also died.
It had been reported a year 13 student at Dane Court Grammar School, in Broadstairs, also had the infection. nHowever, the school has since stated the case is not confirmed.
Kent County Council has confirmed all its mainstream schools are operating as normal.
Two specialist schools are also shut as a precaution – Nore Academy, a special school (SEMH), and the co-located alternative provision Estuary Academy Island. Don’t miss out on the most significant and breaking news by subscribing to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.
The schools with confirmed or suspected cases
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Faversham – a year 13 student named Juliette Kenny has tragically passed away in the outbreak
- Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford – confirmed a meningitis diagnosis on Monday (March 16) for a student admitted to hospital.
- Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, Canterbury – according to the BBC, a year 13 student is in hospital with meningitis
- Highworth Grammar School, Ashford – the school reported on Tuesday (March 17) that a year 13 student had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of meningitis.
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