Two Die And 11 Seriously Ill In Meningitis Outbreak At University Of Kent

Two group person died and 11 are reportedly earnestly sick successful infirmary aft an outbreak of a uncommon shape of invasive meningitis astatine nan University of Kent.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had provided antibiotics to students successful nan Canterbury area aft it detected 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, a operation of meningitis and septicaemia.

The fast-acting illness is caused by meningococcal germs spreading to nan fluid surrounding nan encephalon and spinal cord, which causes meningitis, and infecting nan bloodstream, which causes sepsis.

The UKHSA said anyone pinch meningitis and septicaemia symptoms should activity aesculapian thief urgently, which could thief prevention lives.

Symptoms see rashes, a abrupt fever, terrible headaches, a stiff neck, vomiting and diarrhoea, associated and musculus pain, sensitivity to agleam lights, acold hands and feet, seizures, disorder and utmost sleepiness.

The UKHSA confirmed 2 group had died, while nan BBC reported 1 of these was a student and that different 11 were earnestly sick successful hospital.

Specialists astatine nan UKHSA person been interviewing nan families of those affected to place adjacent contacts and put antibiotics. The circumstantial strain of nan illness has not been identified.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA south-east lawman director, said: “We understand that galore group astatine nan assemblage and successful nan wider organization will beryllium affected by this sad news and we would for illustration to connection our condolences to nan friends and family involved.”

She said adjacent contacts of cases person been fixed antibiotics “as a precautionary measure”.

“Meningococcal illness tin advancement rapidly, truthful it’s basal that students and unit are alert to nan signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia,” she said.

“Students are peculiarly astatine consequence of missing nan early informing signs of meningitis because they tin beryllium easy confused pinch different illnesses specified arsenic a bad cold, flu aliases moreover a hangover.”

She added: “That’s why it’s captious that, if a friend goes to furniture unwell, you cheque connected them regularly and don’t hesitate to activity aesculapian help. This could prevention their life.”

The Guardian has approached nan University of Kent for comment.