There are now 27 cases of meningococcal disease, confirmed in the United Kingdom (UK).
This after students from the University of Kent, tested positive for the disease, between the 5th and 7th of March.
Two people died as a result.
Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon disease caused by meningococcal bacteria.
The bacteria can cause inflammation of the lining of the brain and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
The UK Health Security Agency said it continues to investigate the outbreak of the disease in Kent.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said a vaccination programme is being rolled out to 5,000 affected students and staff, at the University of Kent’s Canterbury Campus.
This is because 4 schools have reported the outbreak in Kent.
Mannes also said preventative antibiotic treatment will be used on those who were in close contact of those confirmed to either have the disease or are suspected to have the disease.
Picture: CORDIS