LONDON

The number of meningitis cases in Kent, England, has risen to 20 after five new cases were identified, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said Wednesday.

In a statement, the UKHSA said nine laboratory cases have been confirmed, while 11 notifications remain under investigation, bringing the total to 20, up from 15.

It added that one individual who had resided in Kent presented at a London hospital but had no community contacts in the capital.

"All those affected who are currently linked to the outbreak are young adults," the agency said.

The outbreak has been traced back to a nightclub in Canterbury, Kent.

UKHSA said that, as an additional precautionary measure, a targeted vaccination program will begin, starting with students who are residents of the Canterbury campus halls of residence at the University of Kent.

"This is a rapidly evolving situation and there may be further cases as those with symptoms are encouraged to seek medical advice," UKHSA added.

Speaking to the BBC, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said officials are "proactively" managing the outbreak and added that the "general risk is low, even if the disease itself is extremely serious."

Two people have died in the outbreak: a 21-year-old university student and a teenage student in Faversham.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria. In some cases, it can lead to severe conditions such as meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly progress to sepsis.

The onset of illness is often sudden, and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting, a characteristic rash, and cold hands and feet.