Students queuing for antibiotics outside a building at the University of Kent in Canterbury. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA WireUK heath authorities are dealing with an “explosive” outbreak of meningitis in the Kent area where a total of 20 cases among young adults are being investigated. Two students have died during the outbreak, including 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, who was studying for her A-levels. The UK health security agency (UKHSA) said that, as of 5pm on Tuesday, some 20 cases of meningitis had been reported to it, up from 15 previously. On Tuesday, UK health secretary Wes Streeting said most students would not already be vaccinated against menB.

Source: The Irish Times March 18, 2026 19:50 UTC