Meningitis Outbreak in Britain: Two Deaths, Emergency Vaccinations Begin

A meningitis outbreak in Kent, Britain, has resulted in two deaths and spread to a second university. Health authorities are working to contain the spread.

Canterbury Christ Church University announced that the Health Security Agency confirmed a case of meningitis in a student. Close contacts of the student have been advised to take preventative antibiotics.

Authorities are linking the case to events at the Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury on March 5, 6, and 7. The mother of a student confirmed that her daughter is hospitalized with meningitis after visiting the club.

A student from the University of Kent and an 18-year-old student have died from the disease. The total number of cases linked to the outbreak in Kent has now risen to 20.

The country's health authorities have declared a state of emergency.