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People are being warned not to share vaping devices during the meningitis outbreak, as doing so could increase the risk of spreading infections. The warning comes after health officials respond to an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in Canterbury, where two young people have died, and several others have been hospitalised.

Vaping is most common among young adults and students, and studies suggest that around 27% of people aged 16-24 in the UK vape, the highest rate of any age group. Meningitis can spread through close contact, such as coughing, kissing or sharing drinks. Experts say that sharing a vape can also transfer saliva between users.

Rebecca A Drummond, professor of immunology at the University of Birmingham, told The Conversation: "The bacteria that cause meningitis can spread by close contact, such as kissing and sharing drinks, or through coughing and sneezing. Large events that bring lots of people together can therefore be associated with outbreaks of meningitis, because of the increased likelihood that people become exposed to the bacteria.

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"This is one of the reasons why university students can be at increased risk for meningitis, because there is a lot of social mixing in this group.

Shane Margereson, vaping industry expert and owner of Ecigone, said: "Just like smoking, many people will pass a vape to a friend without thinking about it, but this is something you should never do. Vaping devices come into direct contact with the mouth and can transfer saliva from one person to another.

"During outbreaks of infectious illnesses, sharing anything that involves saliva, including vaping, will increase your risk of spreading bacteria and viruses. This can expose you to common viral infections like colds and flu, and also more serious illnesses such as meningitis, which can spread through close contact with respiratory droplets and saliva."

Shane said vapes should be treated like other items such as toothbrushes, drink bottles or utensils, all of which are personal items that shouldn't be shared with others.

"Even if someone is healthy, they may be carrying bacteria or viruses without realising it. Passing vapes around in social settings can increase the risk of spreading infections," warns Shane.