Thousands queue for vaccines, antibiotics as deadly outbreak grows

The UK has issued an urgent public health alert as a deadly meningitis outbreak continues to grow in south-east England.

Students at the University of Kent queued around campus on Wednesday to receive vaccinations and antibiotics after one of their peers died earlier this week.

The outbreak has been identified as a known strain of meningitis B, which is typically spread by prolonged and close contact.

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Staff and students, some wearing face masks, queue to receive antibiotics at the University of Kent in Canterbury after an outbreak of meningitis caused the deaths of two people, on March 16, 2026 in Canterbury, United Kingdom.

The explosive outbreak is believed to have originated at a nightclub in Canterbury.

At least 20 confirmed and suspected cases of the potentially life-threatening virus have been recorded in Kent over the last few days.

Two people have died: a University of Kent student, and a sixth former (high schooler) from nearby Faversham.

At least 11 others have been hospitalised.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Chief Executive, Susan Hopkins, told the BBC the organisation is trying to figure out how the virus spread so quickly.

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"We see clusters all the time," Professor Paul Hunter at the Norwich School of Medicine, University of East Anglia told The Guardian.

"What's unusual is the size of this cluster. That's the scary thing."

Vaccinations have been offered to about 5000 students at the University of Kent.

Students told the BBC some of their peers have packed up and fled the city.

Local pharmacies have reportedly started wait lists for locals seeking the meningitis vaccine.

No cases have emerged yet that are not linked to the original cluster in Kent but health workers across England have been warned to look out for signs of infection.

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Students wait in line outside the sports hall at the University of Kent campus in Canterbury, England, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, where the rollout of a meningitis B vaccine to about 5,000 students has begun.

Meningitis is a potentially deadly infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord.

It's usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection and can spread through sneezing, coughing or kissing.

Symptoms develop suddenly and can include fever, headache, a rash, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, drowsiness and seizures.

It can cause permanent brain and nerve damage, sepsis, or death if not treated quickly with antibiotics.

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Thousands queue for vaccines, antibiotics as deadly outbreak grows
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