Health Secretary Wes Streeting has described a spike in Meningitis B cases across East Kent as “unprecedented,” as the government rolls out a targeted vaccination programme to halt the outbreak.
As of Tuesday morning, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had confirmed 15 cases connected to the cluster, including the tragic deaths of two young people – a Year 13 pupil from Faversham and a student at the university.
The outbreak has been linked to the nightclub in Canterbury over the weekend of March 5–7. Health officials are now urging anyone who visited the venue on those dates, or those who have been in close contact with suspected cases, to attend one of four emergency hubs for a single, highly effective dose of antibiotics.
The impact has been felt across multiple secondary schools in the area. Kent County Council has confirmed all its mainstream schools remain open as usual.
Two specialist schools have closed as a precautionary measure – Nore Academy, a special school (SEMH), and the co-located alternative provision Estuary Academy Island, reports Kent Live.
Full list of Kent schools that have confirmed meningitis cases:
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (Faversham): Confirmed the tragic death of a Year 13 student and is working with the UKHSA to support the school community.
- University of Kent (Canterbury): Confirmed one student death and a cluster of cases, resulting in the postponement of all in-person exams and assessments this week. Norton Knatchbull School (Ashford): Confirmed one case in a Year 13 student but remains open for “business as usual” following public health guidance.
- Highworth Grammar School (Ashford): Reported a “suspected” case in a Year 13 pupil who has been hospitalised, whilst the school increases hygiene measures.
- Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys (Canterbury): Identified as one of the schools affected by the outbreak with confirmed links to the cluster.
Schools with no confirmed cases.
- Dane Court Grammar School (Broadstairs): Initially reported a positive case but later issued a correction stating the student is not a confirmed case and remains under investigation.
- East Kent Colleges (EKC) Group: Confirmed that across all their campuses (including Ashford and Canterbury), they have recorded zero confirmed cases.
- Canterbury Academy: Whilst some students are seeking precautionary antibiotics due to visiting the Club Chemistry nightclub, the school has no confirmed cases.
Despite the rising figures, Mr Streeting informed the Commons that the outbreak is “containable” and recommended that schools should stay open.
“The nature of this disease is that it spreads through close personal contact – things like kissing, sharing vapes, or sharing drinks,” he explained, noting that the risk to the wider population remains low.
In a swift escalation of the public health response, the government has authorised:
- Targeted Vaccinations: A fresh vaccination initiative has been launched for students residing in University of Kent halls of residence.
- Antibiotic Distribution: More than 11,000 doses of antibiotics are now accessible at walk-in centres, with 700 doses already given out.
- Daily Updates: The UKHSA will offer public data updates every morning at 9:30 am to maintain transparency.
