BBC South East understands that a further 11 students from the Canterbury area are currently in hospital and reported to be seriously ill. More than 30,000 students, staff and their families are being contacted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to inform them of the situation. A UKHSA spokesperson said it was arranging antibiotics for some students in the Canterbury area following the outbreak, and that the specific strain of the disease has not been identified. The BBC understands the outbreak is thought to be linked to a party in Canterbury, which some of the students who fell ill attended. Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said students can be at risk of missing symptoms due to confusing them for "a bad cold, flu, or even a hangover". " Anyone becoming unwell with symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia is urged to go to their closest A&E department or call 999.