How a ‘super-spreader’ event sparked deadly Kent meningitis outbreak | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRebecca Whittaker & Rebecca ThomasTuesday 17 March 2026 18:00 GMTMeningitis B expert answers your questions as Kent outbreak leaves two deadAn "unprecedented" Meningitis B outbreak in Canterbury has resulted in the deaths of an 18-year-old pupil and a 21-year-old university student.The outbreak, which has seen confirmed cases rise to 15, is linked to a "super-spreader event" at Chemistry nightclub and the University of Kent, affecting students and at least four schools.Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended the UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) response, stating they acted "as quickly and as comprehensively as possible" despite criticism regarding the timing of public alerts.A targeted vaccination drive is being rolled out for University of Kent students, and 700 doses of antibiotics have been distributed, though some Kent pharmacies have reported vaccine shortages and alleged price-gouging.Streeting has requested the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) re-examine Meningitis B vaccine eligibility, as many students are not covered by the routine childhood immunisation programme.In fullStreeting defends response to ‘unprecedented’ meningitis B outbreak as cases ‘linked to super-spreader event’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in