We are deeply saddened to confirm that one student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis.
Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with public health teams and are in touch with staff and students to ensure they get the advice and support they need. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep our community informed.
Please find below a message from the UK Health Security Agency about the cases of meningitis in Canterbury and how that is affecting us at the University.
Please read this carefully and if you think you may have symptoms, please get medical advice urgently.
If you need support from Student Support and Wellbeing – please reach out.
In the meantime, the campus remains open and all activities will continue.
15/03/2026
Dear Student
A number of University of Kent students have been admitted to hospital with meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or sepsis (bacteria in the blood stream) likely to be caused by meningococcal bacteria. This is a serious infection which can be life threatening.
What do you need to do?
The best way to stop the disease spreading is by giving antibiotics to the close contacts of the people who are ill as quickly as possible.
Known contacts of the cases have been informed by UKHSA and have been told how to access antibiotics.
However, if you believe you have been in contact with a case of meningitis and you have not been contacted by UKHSA, please attend Senate 9am-4pm on Monday 16th March.
Everyone should remain aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia (information provided below) and what to do.
More about meningitis and septicaemia
One or more of these symptoms may develop and they can appear in any order.
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High temperature
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Rapid breathing
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Vomiting or diarrhoea and stomach cramps
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Joint or muscle pain
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Cold hands and feet
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Severe headache
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Pale blotchy skin
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Stiff neck
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Confusion and/or irritability
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Dislike of bright light
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Drowsiness or difficult to wake
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Rash or bruising rash
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Seizures or fits
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- at the closest Accident and Emergency Department in:
- William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, or
- Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate
- or by dialling 999
Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious.
If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.
Further information about meningitis is available from two charities who offer free support via their websites and helplines:
The Meningitis Research Foundation
Helpline UK 080 8800 3344
Meningitis Now
Helpline 0808 80 10 388
Yours sincerely
South East Health Protection Team