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A rapidly escalating outbreak of Meningitis B in Canterbury has now reached 29 cases, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
Health officials confirmed that 18 infections have been laboratory verified, while an additional 11 are under investigation as probable cases.
Among the confirmed cases, 13 have been identified as group B meningococcal. Every patient linked to the outbreak has required hospital treatment.
Tragically, two young people have died since the outbreak began earlier this month. One of the deceased is 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, a student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School.
The other is a 21-year-old student at the University of Kent, who has not been named.
Juliette’s father, Michael Kenny, described his family’s grief as “immeasurable,” revealing that his daughter died just 24 hours after symptoms first appeared.
He explained that she experienced vomiting and facial discolouration before rapidly deteriorating, despite having been “fit, healthy, and strong.” Just days earlier, she had completed her A-level PE practical exam.
In his tribute, Michael described Juliette as having a “beautifully positive energy” and called for urgent improvements in protections for young people, stating, “No family should experience this pain and tragedy – this can be avoided.” The family hopes that her legacy will bring “lasting change” to how the country addresses the disease.
The outbreak has intensified quickly, with cases rising from 15 earlier in the week to 29 today. Vaccination efforts are being accelerated, with students lining up for the MenB jab at the University of Kent.
The UK Health Security Agency has warned that invasive meningococcal disease can initially resemble the flu before rapidly becoming life-threatening. Symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever and severe headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Vomiting and stomach pain
- Joint pain and extreme fatigue
- Pale or blotchy skin and cold extremities
Health officials stress the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if drowsiness progresses towards unconsciousness. Authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely as they work to contain further spread.
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