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Meningitis Outbreak in Kent: Who Is Most Vulnerable? – Podcast Insight

An outbreak of meningitis B in Kent has caused two deaths and serious illness among students. Expert Eliza Gil discusses risks and vaccine access in a podcast with Madeleine Finlay.

1 min read

A person wearing a face mask walks past a queue of staff and students waiting to receive antibiotics at the University of Kent in Canterbury after an outbreak of meningitis caused the deaths of two people, on March 16, 2026 in Canterbury, United Kingdom. Two people have died amid an outbreak of meningitis at the University of Kent in Canterbury. Thirteen cases have been reported since Friday, reportedly affecting university students aged between 18 and 21. Children and young people are the most at risk of the disease, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection, which leads to inflammation of the meninges, or protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is contacting 30,000 students and staff of the university to notify them of the outbreak.

Covid Inquiry Reveals NHS Struggles During Pandemic and Urgent Need for Reform

The UK Covid-19 inquiry reveals the NHS was on the brink of collapse during the pandemic, highlighting staff struggles, capacity issues, and political choices. Bereaved families call for urgent reforms to strengthen the health service for future crises.

13 min read

Medical staff transfer a patient through a corridor at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital in Lancashire

Kent Meningitis Outbreak: Causes, Risks, and Public Health Response Explained

The Kent meningitis outbreak, caused by MenB bacteria, has raised public health concerns. This detailed report explains meningitis causes, risks, transmission, and containment efforts, highlighting differences from Covid and the ongoing response to control the spread.

6 min read

Students in face masks queue next to bikesheds.

Toxic PFAS Levels Found in North Yorkshire Town Residents’ Blood

Residents of Bentham, North Yorkshire, exhibit alarmingly high PFAS blood levels linked to contamination from a local firefighting foam factory, raising serious health concerns.

6 min read

Exterior of the building and a sign that says Angus Fire

Kent Meningitis Outbreak Shows Signs of Slowing, UKHSA Reports Fewer Cases

Kent's meningitis outbreak may have peaked with fewer new cases reported. UKHSA continues genetic analysis of the MenB strain while families campaign for vaccination access.

4 min read

Student receiving Meningitis B vaccine at University of Kent.

Experts Review Expanding Meningitis B Vaccine Eligibility After Kent Outbreak

Following a fatal meningitis B outbreak in Kent, experts and the JCVI are reviewing expanding vaccine eligibility amid concerns of spread during Easter holidays.

4 min read

A 3D illustration of meningococcal meningitis

Baking Helps 13-Year-Old Lyla Cope with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Thirteen-year-old Lyla from Coleraine uses baking as a therapeutic outlet to manage juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sharing her journey on Junior Bake Off and raising awareness about the condition.

4 min read

Jennifer Doey Lyla has long brown hair and her hair is in pigtails. She has round colourful glasses and is smiling. She is standing beside a number of delicious-looking baked goods and sauces.

Young Woman Shares Journey After Hiding IBD Symptoms Leading to Emergency Surgery

Alex Lyons hid her IBD symptoms for a year due to embarrassment, leading to emergency surgery and stoma placement. She urges others to seek medical help early and shares her journey adjusting to life post-surgery.

4 min read

Care Workers Say 78p Funding Increase for Independent Providers Is Insufficient

Independent care workers in Northern Ireland criticize a 78p hourly funding increase as insufficient, citing financial strain and staff shortages amid low pay and rising costs.

4 min read

Julie Cordner Julie-Anne Hosick. She has brown hair tied back wearing a black zip up fleece with Connected Health written on it and a cream t-shirt underneath. She is smiling at the camera.

Meningitis Survivor Annabelle Mackay Shares Her Story with the BBC

Annabelle Mackay, a 21-year-old University of Kent student, shares her meningitis survival story amid an outbreak with 29 cases and a student vaccination programme.

3 min read

Intimate portrait of a courageous cancer survivor supported by a friend, highlighting strength and resilience.

Lab-Grown Oesophagus Transplanted in Pigs Offers Hope for Children

UK scientists have grown lab-grown oesophagi transplanted into mini pigs, offering hope for children with missing oesophagus segments like two-year-old Casey Mcintyre.

4 min read

GOSH Two-year-old boy with dark hair, wearing a navy playsuit, smiles at the camera.

Family of Teen Who Died in Meningitis Outbreak Urges Vaccine Access Expansion

Following the death of 18-year-old Juliette Kenny in a meningitis B outbreak in Kent, her family urges the government to expand vaccine access for teens and young adults amid rising cases and vaccination efforts.

4 min read

Meningitis Research Foundation/PA Wire Family handout photo issued by the Meningitis Research Foundation of the Kenny Family (left to right) Juliette, Michael, Rebecca and Florence.