An “unprecedented” meningitis B outbreak in southeast England has killed two students and infected 20 others, mostly at the University of Kent. Britain’s chief medical advisors call it the fastest-growing outbreak in recent memory.
The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed nine cases and is investigating 11 more as of March 17. Six confirmed infections are group B meningococcal disease. Two fatalities include a 21-year-old university student and Juliette, a high schooler from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham.
More than 2,500 antibiotic doses have been administered, and 5,000 University of Kent students in dorms will receive vaccines starting Wednesday. UKHSA chief Susan Hopkins described the spread as “explosive,” possibly originating from a superspreader event-potentially at a university party or the Canterbury nightclub Chemistry.
Family doctors are prescribing antibiotics to anyone who visited the club between March 5-7 or attends the university. UKHSA activated a national incident status to mobilize medical resources, though the outbreak remains confined to Kent.
Meningitis symptoms-fever, rash, stiff neck, confusion-can mimic flu or hangovers, delaying diagnosis. Early antibiotic treatment is critical; untreated cases can escalate to septicemia or sepsis within hours.