The University of Kent is significantly quiet today due to a meningitis B outbreak, resembling a ‘Ghost Town’ scenario. Nearly all students have departed to their homes, alarmed by the meningitis threat that has resulted in two fatalities. Frantic parents from various parts of the UK rushed to pick up their children, creating emotional reunions. Some students were seen hauling their luggage towards buses bound for Canterbury train station, with a few drivers wearing protective face masks.
The deserted campus bore a resemblance to the Covid epidemic of 2020. Tom Jefferson, 20, was among the first in line at 8:30 am to receive medication for the day and planned to return to London promptly. Students and staff started queuing for antibiotics at 8:15 am, maintaining social distancing guidelines. By 10:30 am, the queues had dissipated entirely.
The atmosphere on campus was eerily quiet, with only a few students visiting the Co-Op and Caffe Nero. Two individuals continued their routine litter picking duties. Ethan Norris, 24, and Nancy O’Sullivan, 23, had also taken their preventive pills amid the chaotic situation.
Students were observed swiftly leaving after receiving antibiotics, amidst reports of late-night evacuations. Exams had to be canceled due to the prevailing fear and uncertainty. Ethan recounted witnessing a student being stretchered out of a building and the lengthy wait for medication, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Instances of distress were visible as some students, including a Chinese student, expressed their fear and desire to return home to their families, despite facing travel restrictions. The prevailing atmosphere indicated a significant level of panic and concern among the university community.