What are the symptoms of meningitis and is there a vaccine?

The death of a year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham was confirmed by the local MP on Monday. The second person who died was a student at the University of Kent.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia from Friday to Sunday in the Canterbury area.

Health experts are arranging antibiotics for some other students in the area as a precaution against the dangerous infection.

What is meningitis and 'invasive' meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

It can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. It can be very serious if not treated quickly.

The cause of the infection - either a certain bacteria or virus - can be determined by tests.

Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. It can lead to blood poisoning or sepsis, and can affect the brain.

This acute, severe infection is known as invasive meningitis. It means the infection has invaded into the blood stream or brain linings.

Both people who have died in the invasive meningitis outbreak in Kent are believed to be aged between 18 and 21.

The specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified.

What meningitis signs should you look out for?

Symptoms can develop suddenly and can include:

Some people can carry bacteria in their nose without getting sick, but can spread it to others through coughs and sneezes.

The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common.

It's possible to get meningitis more than once.

The BBC understands the outbreak in Kent is thought to be linked to a social event in Canterbury, which some of those who fell ill attended.

Outbreaks of meningococcal disease are rare, but can occur in settings where people group together, such as college campuses.

The best way to stop the disease spreading is by giving antibiotics to people who may have come into contact with the disease when there is a local outbreak.

Some students in the Canterbury area of Kent are being given this treatment as a precaution after a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease, even though the specific strain has not been identified.

Several vaccinations help protect against meningitis.

The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis - meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y - and is offered to teenagers aged 14 years old.

The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria and is recommended for babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year.

A six-in-one vaccine given to young children - also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/Hep B vaccine - offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

A pneumococcal vaccine offers protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis.

The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of some of these infections.

What to do if you think you or a friend has meningitis

Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia should seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency Department or by dialling 999.

Early treatment can be lifesaving.

Students in the affected area of Canterbury are being advised to trust their instincts - do not wait for all symptoms to appear or for a rash to develop before seeking help.

"Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover," warn health officials.

Students should check on their friends regularly if they go to bed unwell and urged them not to hesitate before seeking medical help via their GP or the 111 service.