Khaberni - The health authorities in Britain announced the death of two individuals following an outbreak of meningitis in the city of Canterbury, one of whom was a student at the University of Kent, while a number of infected individuals are receiving treatment in the hospital amid fears of the spread of the infection among students.
Deaths and Injuries
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, 11 other individuals from the Canterbury area are currently receiving treatment in hospitals and are in serious condition, most of them believed to be between the ages of 18 and 21, including several university students.
A spokesperson for the University of Kent confirmed that one of the deceased was a university student, while estimates suggest that the two victims were approximately in the same age group.
The British Health Security Agency is in communication with more than 30,000 people including students, staff, and their families, informing them about the health situation and the preventive measures that should be followed.
Meningitis Infection
Meningitis is an infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and can become a serious illness if not dealt with quickly and treated urgently.
Provision of Antibiotics
The health agency explained that it is working to provide antibiotics to some students in the Canterbury area as a precautionary measure, while the precise strain of the infection has not yet been identified.
An official letter issued by the agency to students and staff of the University of Kent revealed that residents and workers in some campus buildings must receive antibiotics «without delay».
The university administration confirmed that the safety of students and staff is a top priority, noting that it is working closely with public health teams, and communicating with students and staff to provide necessary guidance and support.
Reason for the Spread of the Infection
According to preliminary information, the spread of the infection may be related to a social event held in the city of Canterbury and attended by several individuals who subsequently showed symptoms.
A spokesperson for the Health Security Agency said that health experts are interviewing the infected individuals to identify their close contacts and take appropriate preventive measures.
Symptoms of Meningitis
Possible symptoms of meningitis or blood poisoning include: severe fever, cold hands and feet, vomiting, confusion, rapid breathing, muscle and joint pain, a rash or spots on the skin, as well as headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and feeling extremely sleepy or having difficulty waking up, which in some cases may lead to convulsions.
Trish Manis, the Deputy Regional Director for the Health Security Agency in Southeast England, noted that students might initially misinterpret the symptoms because they can resemble those of a cold, flu, or even the effects of staying up late.
She added that the contacts of the infected cases have already received antibiotics as a precautionary measure, in an attempt to limit the spread of the disease.
The health authorities advise anyone showing symptoms of meningitis or blood poisoning to immediately head to the nearest emergency department or call ambulance services.
Health experts confirm that the disease can affect anyone, but it is more common among infants, young children, teenagers, and the youth, especially in environments where people live in close proximity such as universities and student residences.
Dr. Tom Nut, the CEO of the «Meningitis Now» organization, said that the disease can develop very quickly and have devastating effects, especially among the youth and their families, urging students and staff to be vigilant and alert for any potential symptoms.
In a comment on the incident, the parliamentary representative for Canterbury, Rosie Duffield described the deaths as a «true tragedy», expressing her sympathy with the families of the victims and their acquaintances.
