A deadly meningitis outbreak that resulted in the deaths of two students in Kent has now extended to France, with additional cases also confirmed in the UK. The outbreak of Meningitis B has caused alarm in Kent, leading to a surge in the purchase of vaccinations and students lining up for antibiotics on the Kent University campus.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting informed the Commons that the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) was informed of the initial case on Friday, March 13, prompting contact tracing. Subsequently, the UKHSA contacted the University of Kent on Saturday. On the same day, French authorities notified the agency of a case in France linked to the University of Kent.
In the meantime, two more individuals have been hospitalized due to the disease, bringing the total number of hospital cases to 15, including the two deceased students. Mr. Streeting revealed that hospitals reported on Saturday, March 14, that a number of severely ill young adults were exhibiting symptoms consistent with meningococcal disease.
He stated, “All those identified were provided with precautionary antibiotics. To date, 700 doses have been administered.”
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