There has been a new increase in cases in the "unprecedented" acute meningitis outbreak affecting southern England, rising from 27 to 29, according to the latest bulletin released by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA). "Eighteen cases have been laboratory confirmed and 11 are under investigation," a statement read.

While long lines of students queuing to get vaccinated in Canterbury, the historic English city at the center of the health emergency, are reported this morning, controversy erupts over the lack of access to a vaccination program for young people . This is being brought forward by the family of Juliette Kenny, the 18-year-old student who died from a meningitis outbreak in Kent. In addition to the young woman, a 21-year-old university student also died.

Juliette's father said her death from the disease, which "took her away from us so quickly," could have been "avoided," and urged the government to improve access to the meningitis B vaccine for young people at risk.

At the same time, the Kingdom's media have collected testimonies from families who are unable to obtain a prescription for antibiotics from their general practitioner, despite their child having been exposed to a possible infection.

(Unioneonline)