Two people have died in a meningitis outbreak in Kent. Students queued for antibiotics at the University of Kent on Monday as the public health response kicked in.

Tributes Paid to Beloved Student

Juliette, a sixth-form student at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, has died from meningitis. She was the second confirmed death in the outbreak. Teachers at QEGS said Juliette was kind, thoughtful, and intelligent. She'd been at the school for seven years.

Amelia McIlroy, the headteacher, expressed profound sadness over Juliette's passing. “Juliette embraced everything that school had to offer with great enthusiasm and joy and her humour and positivity were captivating,” McIlroy said. “She was a genuinely caring and attentive listener, a true friend who listened with warmth, respect and sincere interest to her peers and to our staff.”

McIlroy highlighted Juliette's vibrant spirit. “In short, she was a lovely girl – her beautiful smile, her loving nature and her sense of fun will be hugely missed. We are all devastated. Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends at this terribly sad time,” she added, reflecting the deep grief felt by the school community.

University of Kent Grapples with Impact

A University of Kent student also died from meningitis over the weekend. Eleven more people are seriously ill in hospital.

The University of Kent in Canterbury moved fast. All in-person exams and assessments this week are now online, affecting about 1,700 students. Despite this significant logistical change, the campus remains open, with a spokesperson clarifying it's “not a Covid lockdown situation.” Staff and students are still present, though the campus is quieter due to the conclusion of teaching for the term.

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On Monday, long queues of students—many in face masks—waited at the Canterbury campus for antibiotics. Many students had been directly contacted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) due to potential contact with infected individuals, while others sought assistance after calling emergency services.

Public Health Measures and Student Reactions

The UKHSA is leading the response. They're contacting people who had close contact with confirmed cases and offering antibiotics to stop it spreading.

Students are shocked but also reassured by what the university's doing. Kirab Rhoda, an 18-year-old law and criminology student from Uganda, shared that her mother had offered to book her a flight home amidst the news.

However, Rhoda felt reassured by the university's swift action in distributing medication. “I feel reassured because the school cares, I feel [it’s] safer than not any action taking place. This is really assuring to all students,” she said.

Millie Inglis, a 21-year-old law student, received a message instructing her to collect antibiotics. She described the feeling as a “pretty shocked” and compared the situation to the early days of the pandemic. “It just feels like a repeat, it feels very Covid-esque,” Inglis commented. “As long as everyone’s alright, though, I guess that’s all that matters really. We’re just making sure that it doesn’t get any worse.”

Community Response and Broader Concerns

The meningitis outbreak has sent ripples of concern throughout the broader Kent community. Helen Whately, the Member of Parliament for Faversham and Mid Kent, acknowledged the profound impact of the crisis. On Monday, she stated, “The meningitis outbreak in our area is a huge shock. Feeling so deeply sad for the young liv[es lost].” Her remarks underscore the gravity of the situation and the collective sorrow gripping the region.

Meningitis inflames the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but deadlier and needs antibiotics fast. That's why schools and universities need to act quickly when it shows up.

The university keeps updating students by email and social media with advice and support.

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The university says this is a regional public health issue, not just a university problem. They're working with the UKHSA as things develop.

This article was created with AI assistance.