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The number of meningitis cases linked to an outbreak in Kent has risen to 34, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
Health officials have also warned cases may soon be reported outside of Kent due to students returning home for the Easter holidays.
In an update on Saturday morning, the agency confirmed 23 cases, with a further 11 cases remaining under investigation. Eighteen of the 23 confirmed cases are meningitis B.
The latest figures come as more than 400 people queued outside the University of Kent campus clinic waiting to receive meningitis B vaccines by the time it opened on Saturday.
Officials have reminded those receiving the vaccine that it can take around two weeks to provide protection (Photo: Stanley Murphy-Johns/PA Wire) Students who were unable to get vaccinated on Friday were seen returning and queuing again on Saturday morning.
The Canterbury site opened at 9am, with students close to the front saying they had been waiting since 7am, and one reportedly claiming to have waited since closer to 5am.
“To be honest it looks like it was a good job we got here early because the queue is very long now,” said one student, who did not give his name.
Health officials have said they are uncertain when the outbreak might peak, and warned there may be cases elsewhere.
Kent County Council’s director of public health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, warned on Friday that “small household, sporadic clusters” may appear in other parts of the UK over the coming weeks as students returning home from Kent for Easter “incubate” the bug.
The outbreak is believed to have originated from an event at the Club Chemistry nightclub – the club remains closed.
Students have been thanked for coming forward to receive the meningitis B vaccinations (Photo: Toby Melville/Reuters) NHS Kent and Medway said 5,794 vaccines had been administered and 11,010 antibiotics handed out across Kent as of Friday evening.
Dr Ben Rush, consultant in communicable disease control at the UKHSA, said: “We continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country to ensure enhanced surveillance is in place. Any new cases will be identified quickly and responded to.
“It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination and we’d like to thank everyone involved in this effort so far.
“It’s vital that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops symptoms. The risk to the wider population remains low and UKHSA continues to work with partners to identify contacts and offer necessary treatment.”
There are six clinics across the county providing antibiotics and vaccines for eligible people.
Two students have died in the outbreak. They are 18-year-old Juliette Kenny, who was described by her family as “fit, healthy and strong” before her death, and a University of Kent student.
5,794 vaccines had been administered and 11,010 antibiotics handed out across Kent as of Friday evening (Photo: Stanley Murphy-Johns/PA) 
More than 100 students in Kent were turned away while trying to get a meningitis jab due to huge demand on Friday (Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA) Officials have reminded those receiving the vaccine that it can take around two weeks to provide protection.
In the UK, meningitis vaccine was added to the routine NHS Childhood Immunisation Programme in September 2015 for babies, making it a standard, free, and recommended part of childhood care.
While highly recommended, vaccines in the UK generally are not legally mandatory and often purchased privately, but the 2015 roll-out achieved high coverage.
To get a full course of two or three doses privately at any age for those born before 2015, it will cost up to £330.
Symptoms of meningitis include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
Get medical help immediately if you think you or someone else may have meningitis.
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