‘Very unusual’ Kent meningitis outbreak ‘likely to go up’ in coming days, warns UKHSA

"In outbreaks like this, you would typically expect a small increase in numbers still to go, so I suspect that number will go up slightly," he stated.

The bacteria responsible spreads through intimate contact, including kissing and by sharing items such as cutlery, drinking vessels and vaping devices, Professor May explained.

The outbreak has claimed two lives so far, with fatalities including Juliette Kenny, an 18-year-old sixth form pupil, and a 21-year-old student from the University of Kent.

Health authorities have now recorded 20 confirmed and suspected cases, according to UKHSA figures.

Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury is believed to be the source of the outbreak, with infections subsequently identified at both the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University.

An additional five schools across the county have also reported confirmed or suspected cases.

Every patient identified to date has some connection to Kent, though one individual sought treatment at a London hospital.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is scheduled to visit a vaccination centre in Kent today as authorities press ahead with their targeted immunisation programme.

Approximately 5,000 students at the University of Kent's Canterbury campus are being offered MenB vaccinations alongside antibiotic courses.

Hundreds of young people formed queues at a campus sports centre on Wednesday, with the university confirming that 600 jabs were administered during the session.

Those students who have already departed from Canterbury halls of residence can obtain their vaccination through their local GP, the Department of Health has confirmed.

Hundreds more individuals are receiving antibiotics as an immediate preventative measure.

Professor May offered reassurance that the bacteria do not pose the same transmission risk as respiratory illnesses such as Covid or influenza.

"It does not survive very long on surfaces. So, people do not need to be concerned about things like public transport, for instance, where you know potentially you might come into contact with somebody with that in your train carriage or your bus," he said.

"But unless you're in quite close contact for an extended period of time with them, you are not at risk from them."

A government alert has been issued to doctors and health workers across England, instructing them to remain vigilant for symptoms as services face mounting pressure from what officials have described as an "explosive" outbreak.