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Michelle RobertsDigital health editor Two people have died following an outbreak of meningitis in Kent.

An 18-year-old pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, named as Juliette, and a 21-year-old student at the University of Kent were confirmed to have died from the infection over the weekend.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia from Friday to Sunday in the Canterbury area.

Health experts are arranging antibiotics for some other students in the area as a precaution against the dangerous infection.

More than 30,000 students, staff and families in the Canterbury area are being contacted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) about the outbreak.

What is meningitis and 'invasive' meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

It can be very serious if not treated quickly.

The cause of the infection - either certain bacteria or viruses - can be determined by tests.

Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.

It can lead to blood poisoning or sepsis, and can affect the brain.

This acute, severe infection is known as invasive meningitis.

It means the infection has invaded into the blood stream or brain linings.

Both people who have died in the invasive meningitis outbreak in Kent are believed to be aged between 18 and 21.

The specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified.

Most of the cases of meningococcal disease in the UK are currently caused by type B disease (MenB).

In the most recent full year, 2024-2025, there were 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, according to official data.

What meningitis signs should you look out for?

Symptoms can develop suddenly and can include: A rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass Sudden onset of high fever Severe and worsening headache Stiff neck Vomiting and diarrhoea Joint and muscle pain Dislike of bright lights Very cold hands and feet Seizures Confusion/delirium Extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking How is it spread?

Some people carry bacteria in their nose or throat without getting sick, but spread it to others in spit or saliva through coughs and sneezes, kissing and sharing utensils.

The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common.

It's possible to get meningitis more than once.

The BBC understands the outbreak in Kent is thought to be linked to a social event in Canterbury, which some of those who fell ill attended.

Outbreaks of meningococcal disease are rare, but can occur in settings where people group together, such as college campuses.

How can you stop it?

The best way to stop the disease spreading is by giving antibiotics to people who may have come into contact with the disease when there is a local outbreak.

Some students in the Canterbury area of Kent are being given this treatment as a precaution after a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease, even though the specific strain has not been identified.

Is there a vaccine?

Two vaccines protect against the main causes of meningitis and septicaemia.

The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis - meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y - and is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old.

The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria and is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year.

Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of some other infections, meaning several other vaccinations can also help protect people.

A six-in-one vaccine given to young children - also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B vaccine - offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

A pneumococcal vaccine offers babies protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis.

The MMRV vaccine, given to infants, offers protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

Generally, it takes a couple of weeks to get the fullest protection from a vaccine and some require booster doses.

How do I find out whether I'm up to date on my vaccines?

Contact your GP to find out which vaccines you've already received if you're not sure, or look at your red book which records the vaccines you've had.

Vaccine coverage has fallen since the Covid pandemic, meaning fewer children and teens are protected.

The MenACWY vaccine is free for anyone who missed out at school until your 25th birthday.

Most young people aged 13-15 in the UK should have had the MenACWY vaccine at school.

The MMR vaccine is free for everyone who missed out when they were younger regardless of their age.

The MenB vaccine was introduced into the UK childhood immunisation programme in 2015 for babies.

That means teenagers now will not have received it because it wasn't available to them.

People born on or after 1 July 2015 should have been offered it.

Some parents have paid private doctors to get the vaccine for teenagers.

There have been calls for the MenB vaccine to be offered more widely to protect teenagers and young people, but the NHS does not currently offer a catch up campaign for MenB.

Research suggests the MenB vaccine doesn't influence transmission of the infection from one person to another, it doesn't target against all the different B bacteria strains and doesn't protect for particularly long either.

What to do if you think you or a friend has meningitis Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999.

Early treatment can be lifesaving.

Students in the affected area of Canterbury are being advised to trust their instincts - do not wait for all symptoms to appear or for a rash to develop before seeking help.

"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," warn health officials.

Students should check on their friends regularly if they go to bed unwell and urged them not to hesitate before seeking medical help via their GP or the 111 service

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