What to know about the meningitis outbreak in England causing angst among university students

Students queue for antibiotics outside a building at the University of Kent, following an outbreak of meningitis, in Canterbury, Kent, England, Monday March 16, 2026. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP) 2026-03-18T13:17:36Z LONDON (AP) — A meningitis outbreak in southeast England has led to the deaths of a university student and a pupil from a nearby school, prompting public health officials to quickly roll out medical interventions. The outbreak in the county of Kent was described Wednesday as unprecedented by U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, owing to the high number of cases appearing in such a short space of time. The first case was only confirmed on Friday. The number of meningitis cases rose by a further five on Tuesday to 20. Thousands of students at the University of Kent in the city of Canterbury are being offered antibiotics as well as a vaccination against the strain that has been identified as the source of the outbreak. With public health officials turning up in Kent, and with students jittery, here is what to know: Definition of meningitis Meningitis is an infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord and can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Contracting meningitis can lead to a severe blood infection that is called meningococcal sepsis, which often manifests itself as a rash. It can be life-threatening if not treated rapidly. Meningitis can also lead to limb amputations. The most dangerous outbreaks are usually a result of bacteria. The majority of the cases in Canterbury have been confirmed as stemming from a bacterial infection. Possible super-spreader event Meningitis is a rare disease in the U.K. — around 350 a year — but it can spread in tight communities, such as university dormitories. Students are seen as particularly vulnerable as the bacteria is often lying dormant in the nose or throat of individuals and can spread through coughing, kissing or sharing drinks. Experts said many of those affected in the current outbreak went to

原文链接: AP News