Two Dead in Meningococcal Outbreak at University of Kent

Two people have died amid a meningococcal disease outbreak at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. As of March 18, UK Health Security Agency confirmed 15 cases and 12 potential cases across Kent county.

Meningococcal disease-caused by Neisseria meningitidis-can trigger fatal meningitis or septicemia within hours. The fatality rate remains 10% to 15%, even with prompt antibiotics.

Students launched a petition demanding campus shutdown, citing ongoing in-person exams and lectures despite confirmed deaths and hospitalizations. They argue no student should choose between academic progress and personal safety.

UKHSA is distributing prophylactic antibiotics to students and staff-and launching a vaccination program targeting ~5,000 on-campus residents. The agency is notifying 30,000 university affiliates.