University student and sixth form pupil die as 11 fall ill in meningitis outbreak

A university student and a sixth form pupil have died during an outbreak of meningitis in Kent.

Antibiotics have been given out to affected students around Canterbury after 11 others were also taken ill with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.

All cases were discovered in the past two days and one of those who died was a student at the University of Kent while another was a grammar school pupil.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed medication was being arranged for some students in the area after 13 cases were discovered.

A spokesman from the agency said: "UKHSA and the University of Kent are issuing advice to staff and students.

"Specialists at the UKHSA are interviewing affected individuals and their families to help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread.

"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."

The outbreak is believed to be connected to a "social event" involving university students, Sky News science correspondent Thomas Moore said.

The specific strain has not yet been identified.

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Helen Whately, MP for Mid Kent, confirmed the second victim was a sixth form pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham.

She said in Facebook post on Monday: "The meningitis outbreak in our area is a huge shock. Feeling so deeply sad for the young lives lost - a year 13 pupil at QEGS and uni of Kent student. My heart goes out to their families.

"It's incredibly worrying too for the families of the young people in hospital, and others at risk.

"I am asking the NHS urgently for more information and guidance, especially given the rumours going round about where they may have picked it up."

The UKHSA said "very occasionally" meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, including inflammation of the lining of the brain and blood poisoning, which can rapidly lead to sepsis.

Anyone can get meningitis but it is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults, and it can spread quickly in places such as universities and colleges.

The University of Kent confirmed that one of its students had died in a post on social media.

A statement from the university said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that one student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis.

"Our thoughts are with the student's family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.

"The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.

"We are working closely with public health teams and are in touch with staff and students to ensure they get the advice and support they need."

The university later said that "in light of the developing situation", there would be "no in-person assessments this week", although its campuses would remain open.

Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield posted to social media: "Rumours have been flying around for a few days, but you always hope for better news to come.

"Thinking very much of those who loved these students."

There were 31 deaths from invasive meningococcal disease in England in 2024-25, according to UKHSA figures.

(c) Sky News 2026: University student and sixth form pupil die as 11 fall ill in meningitis outbreak