Health officials have warned that a rapidly spreading meningitis outbreak in Kent is "unprecedented", after two young people died and multiple cases were confirmed within days.
Meningitis outbreak in Kent
The outbreak, centred in the Canterbury area, has so far resulted in 15 confirmed cases of meningitis B, with a 21-year-old university student and a sixth form pupil among those who have died.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the outbreak's rapid spread is highly unusual, as chief executive Professor Susan Hopkins described it as having an "explosive nature".
She told the BBC: "In my 35 years in medicine, this is the most cases I have seen in a single weekend with this type of infection.
"It’s the number of cases in such a short space of time that is unprecedented."
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Thomas Waite added that it was the fastest-growing outbreak he had encountered in his career, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting described it as a "rapidly developing situation".
A targeted vaccination programme is being rolled out at the University of Kent, with around 5,000 students in halls set to receive the meningitis B (MenB) vaccine. Officials hope it will limit further spread, particularly if some are unknowingly carrying the bacteria. Vaccinations are due to begin on Wednesday (18.03.26).
Routine vaccination against MenB was only introduced in 2015, meaning many current university students and older teenagers were not eligible for childhood immunisation and may remain vulnerable.
Officials have not ruled out expanding the vaccination programme to other groups as the situation develops.
Health authorities said transmission may have taken place at Club Chemistry in Canterbury, urging anyone who visited the venue between 5 and 7 March to seek precautionary antibiotic treatment, even if they are not showing symptoms.
Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can develop quickly and may include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, vomiting and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to sepsis, brain damage or death.
Health experts are urging people in the affected area to remain vigilant and seek urgent medical attention if symptoms appear. Early treatment is critical and can significantly improve outcomes.