Rhianna Benson
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a vital warning in response to two deaths at the University of Kent, which have been linked to an outbreak of meningitis.
Reports emerged over the weekend that a further 11 people within the area have fallen seriously ill and are currently receiving treatment in hospital after contracting a rare, invasive variation of the deadly infection.
The Agency has since contacted over 30,000 people in the Canterbury area following the detection of 13 cases of meningococcal disease. Close contacts of the cases have also been offered antibiotics.
The fast-acting condition is a powerful combination of both meningitis and septicaemia. It occurs when meningococcal bacteria make their way into the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, causing meningitis, and infect the blood, leading to sepsis.
Advert
UKHSA officials have since issued a warning to any individual showing signs of the combined infection, urging them to seek immediate medical attention.
The most common symptoms include widespread rash, sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Other symptoms can include muscle and joint pain, light sensitivity, cold extremities, seizures, confusion, and fatigue.
According to The Guardian, one of the two people who passed away over the weekend after contracting meningococcal disease was a student. A spokesperson from the University of Kent told the press the staff were 'deeply saddened' by the news.
"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," they said.
The second person to have died was a Year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, as per PA.
The other 11 unwell patients have also been identified as young people.
The families of those affected have been in conversation with the UKHSA, so that specialists can provide antibiotics to anyone that's been in contact with an infected person.
"We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news, and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved," the Agency's south-east deputy director, Trish Mannes.
"Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia."
She added: "Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover."
Mannes went on to urge residents in the area to check on their friends the following morning if they go to bed feeling unwell, emphasising it 'could save their life'.
Students living in the area have also received a direct warning from the chief executive of charity Meningitis Now, Tom Nutt.
Warning them that the disease can 'progress very quickly' and have a 'devastating' impact, he explained: "University students and young adults are among the groups at increased risk because meningitis bacteria can spread more easily in settings where people live, study and socialise closely together."