Two students die in university meningitis outbreak

Two students at the University of Kent have died following an outbreak of "invasive" meningitis.

BBC South East understands that a further 11 students from the Canterbury area are currently in hospital and reported to be seriously ill.

More than 30,000 students, staff and their families are being contacted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to inform them of the situation.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and can be serious if not treated promptly.

A UKHSA spokesperson said it was arranging antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury area following the outbreak.

Symptoms of meningitis include a high fever, being sick and a severe and worsening headache, but can also cause life-threatening sepsis.

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