Meningitis outbreak: Extra help now available

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the people who have sadly died as a result of the meningitis outbreak in Canterbury.

Free emergency antibiotic tablets are now being offered to people who do not have symptoms, as a precautionary measure.

Who is eligible for precautionary antibiotics?

• all students and staff living on campus at the University of Kent
• close household contacts of cases who have been identified by UKHSA, or who self-identify as having contact with a confirmed case
• Club Chemistry staff
• People who visited Club Chemistry on March 5, 6 and 7

No booking is needed and you do not need to bring ID but bring your NHS number if you have it. Bring a bottle of water if you can.

16,000 students in the Canterbury area have already been contacted by the UK Health Security Agency and have been offered antibiotics on the University of Kent campus.

Antibiotic clinic details

University of Kent

Senate Building, Canterbury CT2 7NU.

Open until 8pm tonight Monday, 16 March (last patient at 7.30pm) and tomorrow from 9am to 8pm (last patient at 7.30pm).

The Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Kent and Canterbury Hospital

Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG.

Open today until 8pm (last patient at 7.30pm and tomorrow from 8.30am to 8pm, last patient at 7.30pm).

Thanet Community Health Hub (formerly the CCCU Carey Building)

Northwood Rd, Westwood Cross,

Broadstairs CT10 2WA.

(car park is accessed via Millenium Way)

Open tonight from 5 to 7pm and Tuesday, 17 March from 8.30am.

Westgate Hall

Westgate Hall Road

Canterbury, CT1 2BT.

Open from Tuesday, 17 March, 8.30am to 7.30pm

More information

If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.

What are the symptoms to look out for?

• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass (a rash is not always present)
• Sudden onset of high fever / temperature
• Severe and worsening headache
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Joint and muscle pain
• Dislike of bright lights
• Very cold hands and feet
• Seizures
• Confusion or delirium
• Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking

You can find out about meningitis on the NHS website.

There are more frequently asked questions on the Kent and Medway ICB website.