UK5 min(s) read
Published 17:21 17 Mar 2026 GMT
Urgent warning issued to everyone who vapes after two fatalities
Health officials have issued an urgent warning to anyone who vapes after a deadly meningitis outbreak has already claimed two young lives and left several others hospitalized.
The alert comes as 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease were confirmed in the Canterbury area of Kent, England, over three days.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis and septicaemia, and spreads through close contact such as coughing, kissing, or sharing items that transfer saliva.
Two Young Lives Lost
Tragically, one of the victims has been confirmed as a student at the University of Kent.
A spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that one student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis," per ITV News.
"Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time," they added.
A second victim, a Year 13 pupil from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, was also confirmed by MP Helen Whately, who described the situation as "a huge shock".
“Feeling so deeply sad for the young lives lost - a year 13 pupil at QEGS [Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School] and uni of Kent student. My heart goes out to their families,” she said.
"It’s incredibly worrying too for the families of the young people in hospital, and others at risk," she shared.
Why Sharing Vapes Could Be Dangerous
Amid the outbreak, experts are warning that sharing vapes could increase the risk of transmission, particularly among young people.
Rebecca A Drummond, professor of immunology at the University of Birmingham, explained: "The bacteria that cause meningitis can spread by close contact, such as kissing and sharing drinks, or through coughing and sneezing," according to The Conversation.
"Large events that bring lots of people together can therefore be associated with outbreaks of meningitis, because of the increased likelihood that people become exposed to the bacteria.
"This is one of the reasons why university students can be at increased risk for meningitis, because there is a lot of social mixing in this group," she added.
With around 27% of people aged 16-24 in the UK vaping, the warning is particularly relevant to students and young adults.
Shane Margereson, a vaping industry expert, added: "Just like smoking, many people will pass a vape to a friend without thinking about it, but this is something you should never do. Vaping devices come into direct contact with the mouth and can transfer saliva from one person to another.
"During outbreaks of infectious illnesses, sharing anything that involves saliva, including vaping, will increase your risk of spreading bacteria and viruses. This can expose you to common viral infections like colds and flu, and also more serious illnesses such as meningitis, which can spread through close contact with respiratory droplets and saliva," he said.
Nightclub and University Respond
The outbreak has also been linked to social settings, with a Canterbury nightclub confirming it had been contacted by health officials.
"We have been told somebody was in our club at the weekend who has since been diagnosed with meningitis," said Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry. "I’m devastated. I can’t imagine what the families are going through.
"Our thoughts are with the families. Meningitis affects healthy, young people and this is devastating... We will stay closed until we get further advice from the UKHSA," she added.
Meanwhile, the University of Kent has cancelled in-person assessments for the week and is working closely with health authorities, who are now providing antibiotics to some students as a precaution.
Symptoms of meningitis can include headaches, fever, and a stiff neck.
It's being urged that anyone who feels unwell should call 111, while those seriously ill should go to the hospital or dial 999 immediately.
Police have also stressed the importance of checking in on friends and acting quickly, warning that early intervention "could save their life".