In an update today, the UKHSA said vaccinations were being widened at previously targeted schools.  

A spokesperson said: ‘Widening the vaccine offer is a precautionary measure to ensure longer-term protection, whilst helping to minimise disruption to school attendance at a critical time in the academic year.'

The number of cases was lowered to 23 today following further testing with 20 confirmed and 3 under investigation.

Over 13,000 people have received antibiotics with over 10,000 vaccinations administered.

Health secretary Wes Streeting has asked the JCVI to re-examine eligibility for the MenB vaccine nationally following the outbreak.

There have been fears of further outbreaks across the country as Kent students return home.

With it taking several weeks for immunity to build, people are being asked to remain alert for symptoms.

Meningitis is not an airborne disease, however, and is reliant on close contact as it spreads through saliva.

The causes of the unusual size of the outbreak at the Canterbury nightclub are still being investigated.