Dear Parents and Carers,

You may have seen recent reports regarding cases of meningococcal meningitis affecting people in Canterbury. We are writing to ensure that families of Sports Connect students have accurate information and know what action to take.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed today that there has been an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in the Canterbury area, with 13 cases identified since Friday 13 March. Two people have sadly died, and several others are seriously ill in hospital. The outbreak has been linked to a social venue in Canterbury.

We are aware that some of our students and Young People socialise in Canterbury and may have visited venues in the city recently. At this time, we have not been informed that any Sports Connect School students have been diagnosed with meningitis. We are seeking guidance from the Gov.uk website as well as speaking to the UKHSA South East Health Protection Team today to register our concern and seek their guidance. We will act immediately on any advice they provide.

Symptoms to look out for:

Meningococcal disease can progress very quickly, but it is treatable with antibiotics if caught early. It is essential that you are aware of the symptoms. They can appear in any order, may not all be present, and can initially resemble a bad cold, flu, or even a hangover.

Key symptoms include:

• A high fever

• A severe or worsening headache

• A stiff neck

• Sensitivity to bright light

• Drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty waking

• Nausea and vomiting

• Cold hands and feet, limb pain, or pale and mottled skin

• A rash of red/purple spots or blotches that does not fade when you press a glass against it

The glass test:

Press the side of a clear glass firmly against the rash. If the spots do not fade and you can still see them through the glass, this may be a sign of meningococcal septicaemia. Call 999 immediately. On darker skin tones, check paler areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, inside the eyelids, or the roof of the mouth.

What to do:

If your son or daughter has symptoms — particularly a combination of fever, headache and stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade — call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately.

Do not wait for all symptoms to appear. Do not wait to see if they get better.

Early treatment can be lifesaving. If your child does not have symptoms but you are concerned, you can call NHS 111 for advice.

A message to share with your son or daughter:

UKHSA advises that if a friend goes to bed feeling unwell, you should check on them regularly. This is particularly important for young people who may dismiss early symptoms as a hangover or cold. Looking out for each other could save a life.

Further information:

NHS meningitis symptoms page: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/symptoms

GOV.UK meningitis guidance: www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningitis-signs-and-symptoms-poster

UKHSA is leading the public health response to this outbreak and is working with the NHS to identify and treat close contacts. If we receive any information that is relevant to Sports Connect students or families, we will share it with you immediately.

We understand that this will be worrying for many families. While cases such as this remain rare, awareness of the symptoms and acting quickly are the best protection.

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Head office and we will do everything we can to support you.

Yours sincerely

The Sports Connect Leadership Team