Two people have died and 11 others are seriously ill following a meningitis outbreak in Kent, with cases centred around the Canterbury area.
The BBC understands that one of those who died was a student at the University of Kent, while the second victim was a Year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham. Neither individual has been publicly identified.
Health officials say the outbreak has prompted a major public health response. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has contacted around 30,000 people in the local area to alert them to the situation.
Close contacts of the confirmed cases have been offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure, and students have been seen queuing to receive medication following the outbreak.
The University of Kent says it is moving some in-person events online where possible, although the UKHSA has advised that the campus itself can remain open.
Meanwhile, a nightclub in Canterbury has been linked to the investigation after officials said someone who attended the venue over the weekend was later diagnosed with meningitis.
The owner of Club Chemistry, Louise Jones-Roberts, said the venue had been contacted by the UKHSA and would remain closed until further notice while health authorities provide further guidance.
She said officials had asked whether the club could help trace people who attended over the weekend. While the venue uses an ID scanning system for security purposes, she explained that it does not capture details for every customer and that most visitors pay on the door rather than buying tickets in advance, making tracing difficult.
Jones-Roberts said the news was devastating and expressed sympathy for those affected.
“Meningitis affects healthy, young people and this is devastating,” she said.
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School confirmed that one of its students had died in the outbreak, with headteacher Amelia McIlroy saying the school community was “absolutely devastated” by the loss of a “much loved student.”
The school said it is now working closely with the UK Health Security Agency to ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect students and staff, while asking for the family’s privacy to be respected during the investigation.