Three schools in Kent in England and have confirmed cases of meningitis after an outbreak killed two students and others were admitted to hospital.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had been notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis from Friday to yesterday in the Canterbury area of Kent.
Some of those in hospital have been put into induced comas according to the Press Association.
The UKHSA has said that anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on 5, 6 or 7 March should "come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure", has said following a meningitis outbreak.
Advice has been issued to 16,000 staff and students at the University of Kent, the UKHSA said.
"Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly. Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass," the agency said.
"Early symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses such as a cold, flu or hangover and students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs."
Earlier the UKHSA said that specialists were interviewing affected individuals and their families to "help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread".
Anyone can get meningitis but it is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults and it can spread very quickly in places such as universities and colleges.
A University of Kent spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that one student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis.
"Our thoughts are with the student's family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time."
A school pupil was the second person confirmed to have died.
The student attended Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Faversham and is understood to have died on Saturday.
Trish Mannes, A UKHSA regional deputy director, said: "Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it's essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, which can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet.
"Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.
"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."
The HSE says people should think about meningitis and septicaemia if any of these symptoms are present:
- a high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
- a rash or spots - this may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- feeling and being sick
- headache
- a stiff neck
- aches or pains - for example, stomach, joint or muscle pain
- breathing fast
- bothered by bright light
- cold hands and feet or pale, mottled skin - this may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- fits (seizures)
Other symptoms include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- hard to wake them up
- irritability and a lack of energy
Babies may also:
- refuse feeds
- not take their usual feed
- be agitated
- not want to be picked up
- have a bulging soft spot on their head (fontanelle)
- have an unusual high-pitched cry
- have a stiff body
- be floppy or unresponsive
