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The UK Health Security Agency is contacting thousands of students at the University of Kent to urge them to get checked after a second person died following an outbreak of meningitis in the Canterbury area

Close up shot of a medical professional placing a pulse oximeter on the finger of a black hospitalized patient who is lying in bed.

Everything you need to know about deadly meningitis outbreak

• A deadly meningitis outbreak in Canterbury has claimed the lives of two students, sparking fears that a new strain could be responsible for the rapid spread.
• A Year 13 pupil from Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham and a University of Kent student have died, with 11 others seriously ill in hospital. The UK Health Security Agency is analysing 13 confirmed cases and contacting thousands of students for health checks.
• Prof Andrew Preston from the University of Bath warned: "An outbreak of this size and speed is very unusual and of great concern. A sudden change in disease pattern could indicate something like a new strain with different behaviours."
• Local MP Helen Whately expressed her shock, saying: "The meningitis outbreak in our area is a huge shock. Feeling so deeply sad for the young lives lost."
• Scientists are investigating whether those affected had been vaccinated, as 73% of adolescents have received meningitis vaccines. If vaccinated individuals fell ill, it could suggest a new strain evading immunity.
• Antibiotics are being given to close contacts as a precaution, while health officials urge students to watch for symptoms including fever, headache, and the characteristic rash that doesn't fade when pressed with glass.
• The University of Kent confirmed it is working closely with public health teams to support affected students and staff.
• READ THE FULL STORY: Meningitis 'new strain' fears after 'very unusual' Kent outbreak kills two students