Health officials are labeling the meningitis outbreak in Kent as a rare occurrence and are working swiftly to distribute antibiotics to students at risk of contracting the illness.

The NHS has upgraded the situation to a national emergency following a sudden surge in infections over a weekend. The UK Health Security Agency is now organizing efforts to administer antibiotics to potentially infected students before they fall ill, following the tragic deaths of two students.

During a media briefing, UKHSA officials disclosed that the meningitis B bacteria, responsible for the outbreak, is present in the throats of up to 20% of the population. Numerous students who attended the gathering at Club Chemistry in Canterbury, dubbed a “super spreader event,” could be carriers of the bacteria.

As of now, UKHSA has been made aware of 15 severe cases, including the two fatalities. Investigations are ongoing, with one patient traveling from Kent to a hospital in London. The outbreak has claimed the lives of an 18-year-old sixth-form student named Juliette and a 21-year-old University of Kent student.

Several individuals, including Emma Marlow’s daughter Casey and Keeleigh Goodwin, were hospitalized after contracting meningitis following visits to Club Chemistry. The University of Kent is nearly deserted as students have left in fear following the outbreak.

Amid panic, students and staff queued for antibiotics before the emergency medical center opened, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting addressing the House of Commons regarding the severity of the situation.

Authorities are concerned about possible transmission through close contact, such as kissing and sharing items like drinks and vapes at the club. The UKHSA suspects that the infection may have spread at subsequent parties in university halls. Health leaders are alarmed by the sudden spike in cases.

Streeting highlighted the timeline of infections and the distribution of antibiotics, urging the vaccination committee to reconsider vaccinating older children against meningitis B. Pharmacies are reporting a surge in bookings for meningitis vaccines as a precautionary measure.