Warning sent to students as health scare rocks EKC Canterbury College
A suspected meningitis case has hit a Kent college, sparking fresh fears as officials warn students. EKC Canterbury College confirmed a student is currently being treated for suspected meningococcal disease.
Health Authorities Issue Urgent Letter to Students
The college sent a letter to students revealing the situation and updates from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The letter stressed that meningitis is serious but not highly contagious, requiring prolonged close contact—like living with someone infected—to contract it.
“The student has been in contact with us and is keeping us up to date on their treatment…” the letter read. “The Department for Education and UKHSA still advise that our colleges should remain open and operating as normal. We encourage you to attend at this important time in your education as we enter the exam period.”
Meningitis Outbreak Spreads Across Kent
Kent is grappling with a meningitis outbreak that has tragically claimed two lives and confirmed 18 cases so far. The outbreak is concentrated around Canterbury, with 29 suspected cases reported.
Schools impacted by confirmed or suspected meningitis include:
- Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Faversham – Year 13 student Juliette Kenny sadly passed away.
- Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford – A student diagnosed and hospitalised.
- Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, Canterbury – Year 13 student hospitalised.
- The Canterbury Academy, Canterbury – Reported suspected cases recently.
Vaccination Push Faces Capacity Issues
Thousands of University of Kent students and staff are lining up for meningitis vaccinations. Yet, demand has overwhelmed the system; over 100 students were turned away on March 19 due to capacity limits as the vaccine clinic had to close early.
More than 2,360 vaccinations have been administered alongside 9,000 doses of antibiotics. Health experts urge those at highest risk to seek vaccination immediately, specifically:
- Anyone attending Club Chemistry nightclub between March 5-15
- Year 12 and 13 pupils at four specified schools
- University of Kent students and staff residing on the Canterbury campus
- Close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases
The outbreak has triggered urgent protective measures, but students are urged to continue their studies with their usual routines to avoid disrupting exams.
EKC College’s Chief Executive Officer, Lucy McLeod, reassures: “We appreciate this is an anxious period for everyone and want to reassure you of our continued efforts to support all our students and staff.”
