A meningitis outbreak in Kent has claimed the lives of two students and prompted health authorities to confirm cases at multiple educational institutions across the county.

The fatalities include a University of Kent student in Canterbury and a sixth-form student at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham. The victims were aged between 17 and 21 years old.

Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford has confirmed that one of its Year 13 students has contracted meningitis, marking the third educational institution affected by the outbreak. Health officials have been working to identify and treat potential contacts at all affected schools.

In response to the outbreak, hundreds of people have queued to receive preventative antibiotics from health authorities. Public health teams are conducting contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the infection.

Health experts are investigating whether the outbreak may be linked to social activities including nightclub visits, parties, and the sharing of vaping devices among young people in the area. The investigation aims to determine the source and prevent further spread of the infection.

Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The bacterial form can be fatal within hours if left untreated, making rapid identification and treatment of contacts crucial for preventing further cases.