News & Announcements
Meningitis outbreak in Kent
Last updated: Tuesday 17 March, 6pm
All updates related to the meningitis outbreak will be published on this webpage. Please check back for the latest information.
Tuesday 17 March, 6pm
We are continuing to meet with relevant parties (such as UKHSA and our counterparts at University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, as well as Universities UK and the Department of Education) to ensure we are up to date with guidance on how best to keep you, our students, and wider community safe during the meningitis outbreak in Kent.
There is currently no cemented plan regarding vaccinations, but we will update you as and when we have more information.
A reminder that UKHSA advises that the nature of this strain of meningitis means that it is transmitted differently from other public health issues many people are familiar with, such as coronavirus. The meningococcal disease does not spread easily, so the risk of transmission for most people is very low and it is unlikely to be transmitted in a classroom environment.
We are still not aware of any cases at UCA and our Canterbury campus in Kent remains open in line with UKHSA guidance.
However, we continue to support students who would prefer not to come onto the Canterbury campus at this time. Any notified absences this week (w/c 16 March) will be recorded as Authorised Absence and will not affect your attendance record.
As we have been doing, we will continue to keep you up to date on the situation via email and we will also update the Student Portal.
Thank you.
Tuesday 17 March, 10am
Following yesterday, this morning we can provide more updates regards the meningitis outbreak in Kent and steps we are taking as a University.
Overnight, information has been published regards precautionary antibiotics for key groups.
The groups who can obtain antibiotics now importantly include:
- Anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5, 6 and/or 7 March 2026 including Club Chemistry staff
- Close household contacts of cases who have been identified by UKHSA or who self-identify as having contact with a confirmed case
- As well as all students and staff living on campus at University of Kent
Temporary antibiotic clinics
- Senate Building, University of Kent, CT2 7NZ: Today from 9am to 8pm
- Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG: Today from 8.30am
- Thanet Community Health Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA: Today from 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm)
- Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT: Today from 8.30am to 7.30pm
UKHSA advises that the nature of this strain of meningitis means that it is transmitted differently from other public health issues many people are familiar with, such as coronavirus. The meningococcal disease does not spread easily, so the risk of transmission for most people is very low. People outside of the groups above are not advised to receive antibiotics unless they are experiencing symptoms.
We continue to encourage everyone to remain aware of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and to seek medical advice if you become unwell.
We are still not aware of any cases at UCA and our Canterbury campus in Kent remains open.
However, as a precautionary measure we have taken the decision to cancel events planned there this week. If you are running or hosting an event, you should have already been made aware of this.
We will continue to keep you up to date on the situation via email and we will also update the Student Portal.
Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping keep our community safe at this time.
Monday 16 March, 6pm
Following on from the below, you will be aware that there has been a meningitis outbreak in Kent, which has affected students at University of Kent.
We are continuing to speak with the University and neighbouring Canterbury Christ Church University to keep up to date with developments.
At this stage, we are still not aware of any cases at UCA and our Canterbury campus in Kent remains open.
We are also in contact with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Anyone who has been in contact with anyone affected by the outbreak, should be contacted by UKHSA with regards to accessing antibiotics. If anyone has been contacted by UKHSA about the situation, please also let us know immediately by emailing healthandsafety@uca.ac.uk.
UKHSA has advised us, in addition to other local universities and schools, that there is no need to close. Unless we hear otherwise, we will not close the Canterbury campus or cancel any events planned there this week. If you are running or hosting an event, we ask that you please inform all invited and booked guests regarding the meningitis outbreak. Text to communicate this has been drafted and can be requested from internalcomms@uca.ac.uk for use.
Anyone who wishes to wear a mask is welcome to do so.
At this stage of the day, it’s also important to remember, for out of hours support at our Canterbury campus, please contact Security on 07795 668176.
24/7 in the moment, confidential support is available for any concerns at uca.spectrum.life - use the code UCAWell to register, or call their freephone telephone helpline on 0800 031 8227. Find out more about our online wellbeing tools.
We will continue to keep you up to date on the situation via email and we will also update the Student Portal.
Thank you
Monday 16 March, 10am
You may be aware that there has been a meningitis outbreak in Kent, which has affected students at University of Kent.
As our neighbouring University in Kent, we are speaking with them and have contacted UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) so we can keep you up to date on the situation.
At this stage, we are not aware of any cases at UCA and our Canterbury campus in Kent remains open.
If anyone has been contacted by UKHSA about the situation, please let us know immediately by emailing healthandsafety@uca.ac.uk.
It is important to be aware and remain vigilant for symptoms of meningitis and to take appropriate precautions. Early recognition and prompt medical attention are extremely important.
Meningitis is an infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can develop quickly and may become serious if not treated promptly.
Signs of meningitis include:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright light
- Confusion and/or irritability
- Rapid breathing
- Seizures/fits
- Vomiting/diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- High temperature
- Rash/bruising rash
- Drowsy or difficult to wake
- Pale blotchy skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Joint of muscle pain
If you or someone you know develops symptoms that could indicate meningitis, please seek medical advice immediately by contacting your GP or going to A&E.
We ask all staff and students to remain attentive to their health and to look out for one another. If you feel unwell or notice concerning symptoms, please do not attend University and seek medical guidance.
We will continue to keep you up to date on the situation via email and we will also update this page on the Student Portal.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our community safe.