The meningitis outbreak sweeping through Canterbury has reached 29 cases, according to figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) this morning.
Health officials confirmed that 18 infections have now been laboratory verified, while 11 additional cases remain under investigation as probable.
Of those confirmed, 13 have been identified as meningococcal group B. Every patient connected to the outbreak has required hospital admission.
Tragically, two young people have lost their lives since the incident began earlier this month.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
13 cases have been identified as meningococcal group B
|PA
The victims include Juliette Kenny, an 18-year-old sixth form student from Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham, and a 21-year-old University of Kent student who has not been named.
Michael Kenny, Juliette's father, spoke publicly today about the family's grief, describing their devastation as "immeasurable".
The teenager succumbed to the disease last Saturday, merely 24 hours after her initial symptoms appeared.
She had experienced vomiting and noticed discolouration in her cheeks on Friday, but had been "fit, healthy and strong" prior to falling ill, according to Mr Kenny.
Just two days before symptoms emerged, on Thursday 12 March, Juliette had successfully completed the practical component of her PE A-level examination.
Her father remembered her as possessing a "beautifully positive energy", issuing a heartfelt plea for improved safeguards for young people across Britain.
He stated that "no family should experience this pain and tragedy" and insisted that "this can be avoided".
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- France faces fury after 'disgracefully' withholding information on meningitis outbreak for 48 hours
- 'Devastated' owner of Kent nightclub linked to deadly meningitis outbreak was warned by health chiefs on Instagram
- Meningitis outbreak declared ‘national incident’ over 'unprecedented explosion' of infections
The grieving father expressed his determination that Juliette's death should lead to meaningful reform.
He wants his daughter's legacy to be "lasting change" in how the nation protects its youth from this devastating illness.
In a statement, Mr Kenny said: "We are incredibly proud parents to two wonderful daughters."
The family's call for action comes as vaccination efforts intensify, with students queuing for the meningitis B jab at the University of Kent.
The outbreak has escalated rapidly throughout the week, with total cases climbing from 15 on Monday to 20 by Wednesday, 27 on Thursday, and now 29.
The UKHSA first detected the incident in March 2026 and continues to monitor the situation closely.
Health authorities have warned that invasive meningococcal disease may initially present with flu-like symptoms before deteriorating swiftly.
Warning signs of meningitis include sudden high fever, severe headache, and sensitivity to bright lights
| GETTYWarning signs include sudden high fever, severe headache, sensitivity to bright lights, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains, and painful joints.
Pale, blotchy skin and extremely cold extremities should also prompt immediate concern.
Drowsiness that progresses towards unconsciousness requires urgent medical attention.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter