27 students sick, 2 dead from meningitis amid UK outbreak. What to know.

A meningitis outbreak in southeast England has left 27 students sick and 2 dead, according to U.K. health officials.

A meningitis outbreak in southeast England has left 27 students sick and two dead, according to U.K. health officials.

The UK Health Security Agency said the confirmed cases include students at four schools in the county of Kent as well as one student in London, who was directly linked to the outbreak. Two people have also died, the agency added. The deaths included a 21-year-old student at the University of Kent and a teenage student at a school in the town of Faversham, Reuters reports.

Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord that provide structural support, cushioning tissue, improved circulation and more. The infection, spread through close contact, leads to symptoms that can include high fever, rash, headache, vomiting and diarrhea, stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, lethargy, confusion and seizures.

Impacted students are being treated with preventative antibiotic to control the outbreak while a targeted vaccination program is being introduced for longer-term protection.

"A vaccination (program) has started for students and staff who live in or work in the halls at the University of Kent Canterbury Campus - approximately 5,000 students," the agency said.