Health authorities are monitoring a growing meningitis outbreak across Kent after 13 cases were confirmed since 13 March, with schools and a university among the affected institutions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is overseeing the response after the illness was identified across several education settings in the county, including three secondary schools and the University of Kent in Canterbury.
Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys is the latest school to confirm a pupil has been diagnosed, joining Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham and Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford among the affected sites. A Year 13 pupil at Norton Knatchbull remains in hospital.
Tragically, two people have died since the outbreak began. One was a student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, named by the school’s headteacher as Juliette. The second fatality was a student at the University of Kent.
Trish Mannes, the UKHSA’s regional deputy director for the South East, urged anyone experiencing potential symptoms not to delay seeking help. “Do not hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111,” she said.
Meningitis can deteriorate rapidly, and early medical attention is considered critical to improving outcomes. Symptoms can include a severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, a high temperature, and in some cases a rash that does not fade under pressure.
Parents, students, and staff across the affected areas are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the warning signs. Anyone concerned should contact their GP in the first instance or dial NHS 111 for guidance around the clock.
