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A total of 15 cases of meningitis have now been notified to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it said in a statement, with all cases requiring hospital admission and four being confirmed menB infections.

It comes after the UKHSA this morningidentified the menB strain - a severe bacterial form of meningitis - as being behind the current outbreak in Kent. Two young people, an 18-year-old sixth form pupil and a university student, have died after contracting the illness.

The government agency said in an update: "As of 5pm on 16 March 2026, UKHSA has been notified of 15 cases of invasive meningococcal disease with epidemiological links to Canterbury, Kent.

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"All cases have been hospitalised. Four of these cases have laboratory confirmation of meningococcal B infections. There have been two deaths."

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, added: "People who need antibiotic treatment are responding to our calls to come forward and we are working closely with the NHS to ensure these are offered at the various sites throughout today.

"Once again we remind anyone who visited Club Chemistry between 5th and 7th March to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precaution, as well as those offered antibiotics at the university.

"Investigations have now confirmed that some of the cases are Men B. It is important to be aware that the MenACWY vaccine routinely offered to teenagers does not protect against Men B, which is why knowing the symptoms and seeking early treatment is so important."

"If you think you may have symptoms of meningitis, don't hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111."

Three schools have confirmed cases of meningitis after an outbreak killed two students and others were admitted to hospital.

One of those who died was a year 13 student called Juliette, who was described by her headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham in Kent as “incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent”.

Amelia McIlroy, the headteacher of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, said: “It is with great sadness that we are confirming the loss of Juliette, a much loved and treasured member of our school community.

“Juliette was a student at our school for seven years. She was incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent and she loved our school and was very happy here.

“Juliette embraced everything that school had to offer with great enthusiasm and joy and her humour and positivity were captivating.

“She was a genuinely caring and attentive listener, a true friend – who listened with warmth, respect and sincere interest to her peers and to our staff.

“In short, she was a lovely girl – her beautiful smile, her loving nature and her sense of fun will be hugely missed. We are all devastated.

“Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends at this terribly sad time.”

The other person who died attended the University of Kent.

Some of those in hospital have been put into induced comas, local reports said.