A student receives the Meningitis B vaccine at the University of Kent sports hall. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesThe number of cases of meningitis linked to an outbreak in Kent has risen to 27, health officials have said. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of 5pm on Wednesday, 15 cases had been confirmed and a further 12 were under investigation. The 27 cases represent a rise on the 20 reported on Wednesday. Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the south east, said it is important students still come forward for antibiotics.

Source: The Irish Times March 19, 2026 15:22 UTC