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Two people, including a University of Kent student, have died as multiple invasive meningococcal disease cases near the school were reported to U.K. health officials
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Health officials are providing antibiotics to students and investigating after 13 people in the area showed “signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicemia” between March 13 and March 15
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The specific strain has not been identified as of Sunday, March 15, health officials said
Two people are dead, and 11 more are “seriously ill,” as a result of an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease at a university in Canterbury, England.
From Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15, 13 different cases of individuals with “signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicemia” at the University of Kent were reported to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the organization said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.
As of Sunday, two of the individuals have died. One of them was a student, a university spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.
The University of Kent
Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
Along with the U.K.’s National Health Service, the UKHSA said it is arranging antibiotics “for some students in the Canterbury area of Kent following a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease.”
Meningococcal disease “is an uncommon but very serious infection” whose two most common syndromes are meningitis and septicemia, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The specific strain has not been identified as of Sunday, according to the UKHSA.
The agency said that it, along with the University of Kent, is “issuing advice to staff and students,” and UKHSA specialists are currently “interviewing affected individuals and their families to help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread.”
The outbreak is thought to be linked to a party held in Canterbury that some of the students who became sick attended, according to the BBC.
Stock image of the UK Health Security Agency logo
Credit: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty
A spokesperson for the University of Kent told PEOPLE on Sunday, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that one student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis. Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.”
The spokesperson continued, “The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with public health teams and are in touch with staff and students to ensure they get the advice and support they need. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our community informed.”
Meningitis is “the swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord,” according to the Meningitis Research Foundation, while septicemia “is blood poisoning caused by the same germs as meningitis and is life-threatening.”
Septicemia occurs “when bacteria enters the bloodstream, causing blood poisoning which triggers sepsis. Sepsis is an overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death,” the foundation’s website states. “Both meningitis and sepsis can kill in hours.”
In a statement, Trish Mannes, UKHSA’s Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said meningococcal disease “can progress rapidly,” so it is important to be alert to signs and symptoms, which “can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet.”
“Septicemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass,” Mannes added.
The UKHSA regional director also said that college students “are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.”
“That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111 if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them,” Mannes instructed. “This could save their life.”
Meningococcal disease vaccine (stock image)
Credit: getty
“Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicemia should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999,” the UKHSA echoed in a statement. “Early treatment can be lifesaving.”
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Rosie Duffield, the Member of Parliament for Canterbury, shared a statement of support on X for the families and friends of those who died due to the outbreak.
“Some really tragic news this weekend from our university in Canterbury,” Duffield wrote. “Rumors have been flying around for a few days, but you always hope for better news to come. Thinking very much of those who loved these students.”
Read the original article on People
