16/03/2026
UPDATE - Support and precautionary antibiotics on campus - 16:30 - 16th March
UK Health Security Agency has been contacting individuals who are known to have been in close contact with confirmed cases and advising them on the next steps. We have been working with UKHSA to support staff and students who may be impacted by offering precautionary antibiotics at the Senate Building on our Canterbury campus.
If you believe you may have been in close contact with someone who has meningitis but have not yet been contacted by UKHSA, please attend the Senate Building on the Canterbury campus where the Health Protection Team are providing precautionary antibiotics.
The clinic is open today until 20:00 (with the last person able to join the queue at 19:15), and will also operate on Tuesday and Wednesday from 09:00–20:00.
Additional provision is being arranged in Canterbury city centre and we will share further details as soon as they are confirmed.
More information - https://student.kent.ac.uk/news/2276/urgent-meningococcal-meningitis-outbreak
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UPDATE - Meningitis outbreak - 11:30am 16th March
We are continuing to work closely with public health colleagues as well as our partners in the local area as this situation develops.
We have contacted all our students and staff to ensure they have all the latest advice and support they need, and we will continue to update via email and social media. These communications are shaped by the advice from the UK Health Security Agency who have oversight of the overall situation. They have also been contacting known contacts of any cases in our community with advice on what to do and any next steps.
Further information about meningitis, symptoms and vaccination is available via the link below.
A reminder that there will be no in person assessments or exams this week, and Schools will be in direct contact with students to provide details on alternative arrangements.
We recognise that this is a very sad and worrying time for many members of our community. Please remember that support services are available, and we encourage anyone who needs support to reach out to our Student Support and Wellbeing team.
We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available..
More information at https://student.kent.ac.uk/news/2276/urgent-meningococcal-meningitis-outbreak
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UPDATE - Meningitis outbreak - 23:24 on 15th March
In light of the developing situation, we have made the decision that there will be no in-person assessments this week. Your school will be in touch with you directly to provide further details about alternative arrangements.
Our campuses will remain open, but please keep an eye on your emails as we will continue to update students directly.
We recognise that this is a difficult and sad time for all in our community, and support is available for anyone who may need it.
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Original post - 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 at https://blogs.kent.ac.uk/student-news/2026/03/15/urgent-meningococcal-meningitis-outbreak/
