A surge in meningitis cases among students in southeast England is being monitored by the Ministry of Health.

The announcement came as the British Government began offering antibiotics and vaccinations against the infectious disease outbreak now blamed for two deaths.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, said the risk to Bermuda remained low, but noted that many Bermudians study and live in Britain, with a potential uptick in travel over Easter.

Bermudians in Britain were urged to heed local health authorities and familiarise themselves with signs and symptoms of the illness.

A Bermudian student at the University of Kent said there had been a noticeable increase in hygiene and personal safety since the outbreak, but no one in his hall of residence had been affected.

In an announcement to students in Kent, British health officials said that the meningitis B vaccine “will now be offered to everyone who has been offered preventive antibiotic treatment as part of this outbreak”.

Almost 30 cases have been confirmed in what has been acknowledged as an unusually severe run of infections.

Cases have centred on the University of Kent, but as of yesterday had spread to Canterbury Christ Church University, which confirmed that one of its students was ill, and four schools in Kent.

The University of Kent at Canterbury has long been a popular university for Bermudians, especially for law students.

A student in London was said to have contracted meningitis but was in recovery.

The UK Health Security Agency issued a public health alert, calling the illness “severe with rapid deterioration”.

Doctors were urged to have a “high index of suspicion” towards patients aged 16 to 30 “with consistent signs or symptoms”.

Meningitis, which targets the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, typically causes intense headaches, painful stiffness of the neck and nausea.

It can cause confusion as well as aversion to light, and in acute cases can lead to severe illness or death.

The Bermudian student, who asked not to be named, told The Royal Gazette: “As far as I’m aware, there haven’t been any confirmed cases within my building. However, there was a case reported in a building next to mine. Thankfully, no one I personally know has been affected.”

He added: “As the outbreak happened during exam season, most students were already focused on revising, so daily routines didn’t change dramatically.

“However, there has definitely been a noticeable shift in atmosphere — it feels similar to the Covid period, with more people staying indoors and some choosing to wear masks around campus as a precaution.”

He said the university began offering preventive antibiotics on “the Monday following the outbreak”.

“From what I’ve seen, many students — particularly those living in accommodation where cases have been confirmed — have gone to receive them.

“The university is also providing vaccinations on campus, which has encouraged even more students to take precautions.

“Overall, there’s been a clear increase in awareness around hygiene and personal safety measures across campus.”

Wee Care paediatrics in Bermuda posted an online advisory on meningococcal meningitis — recommending use of the two vaccines available “if you are going off to boarding school or college or even if you will be spending a fair amount of time at sleep away camp in the summer”.

Paediatrician Stephen West added that he wished to offer vaccination against the A, C, Y and W135 strains as it is done in the US, “routinely for everyone at age 11 and age 16”.

He added: “The incidence of the disease is rare, but it can certainly be devastating when it does happen.”

Ms Wilson said: “While the risk to Bermuda remains low, taking precautionary steps, especially for those abroad, helps ensure that our community stays protected.

She said the ministry was “reviewing the situation and will provide further guidance as needed”.