Number of suspected meningitis cases rises in UK outbreak: official

London: The number of meningitis cases being probed by UK authorities has risen to 20, the Health Security Agency said Wednesday, following an unprec...

London: The number of meningitis cases being probed by UK authorities has risen to 20, the Health Security Agency said Wednesday, following an "unprecedented" outbreak centred on a university.

The outbreak in Kent in southeastern England has claimed the lives of two young people -- a 21-year-old university student and an 18-year-old school student.

The focus of public health measures so far has been the University of Kent, which has around 18,000 students, some of whom are among those hospitalised with meningitis.

Meningitis is a potentially deadly infection affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and is most common in young children, teenagers and young adults.

"As of 5pm on 17 March, nine laboratory cases are confirmed and 11 notifications remain under investigation," bringing the total to 20, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in a statement.