Students at Kent University are feeling fearful as they line up to receive crucial antibiotics before boarding buses to head back home. The anxiety stems from the fear of contracting meningitis, prompting many students to swiftly depart for their families across the UK. Some were spotted waiting for buses with their suitcases packed, including Ethan Norris, 24, and Nancy O’Sullivan, 23, who both received their medication.
Expressing her concern, Nancy shared her observations of students leaving hastily after receiving antibiotics. With exams canceled and a sudden appearance of the situation causing panic, students are nervous about staying on campus due to uncertainty about the extent of the spread of the illness.
Ethan recounted witnessing a student being taken from a building on a stretcher. Waiting in line for over an hour and 40 minutes for their antibiotics, they were motivated by reports of two fatalities related to the outbreak, emphasizing the need for precautionary measures.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 13 suspected cases of meningitis in the Canterbury area of Kent over the weekend, with some students receiving treatment while others are hospitalized. The specific strain of meningitis responsible for the outbreak remains unidentified.
Thomas Ibbotson, a third-year student studying Business and Spanish, revealed the suspected origin of the outbreak at a Fresher’s event attended by both university students and local sixth formers. Concerns are high among students, particularly for those with friends currently hospitalized.
Thomas highlighted the heightened risk for freshers who attended the event, which began at a house party and progressed to Club Chemistry. The fear has spread through the student community, with precautions being taken to limit exposure within affected areas.
Daisy Gower, a psychology student, shared her experience of being advised by the university to receive antibiotics due to potential close contact with an affected individual. The situation has caused widespread concern but efforts to prevent further spread are underway.
Ben Segneri, a student displaying symptoms, expressed his apprehension about the outbreak and his decision to take antibiotics as a precaution. Early awareness of the situation heightened concerns among students, leading to the closure of social spaces and increased stress levels.
The UKHSA spokeswoman confirmed collaboration with the University of Kent to provide guidance to all students on the recent cases of meningitis, symptoms, antibiotic procurement, and necessary actions if feeling unwell.
Not all 16,000 students at the university will receive antibiotics, only those deemed as close contacts of affected individuals, specifically those residing in the same accommodation block.
Helen Whately, the Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, expressed her intention to gather information on the situation and ensure appropriate measures are in place to trace contacts and safeguard students and school pupils at risk.
Efforts are underway to identify close contacts and provide necessary interventions to contain the spread of the illness, according to the UKHSA specialists.
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