Archbishop of Canterbury: Prayers with those impacted by meningitis outbreak

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has said that she is praying for the families of those affected by the present Meningitis B outbreak in Kent, especially for the families of those that have died.

A 21-year-old university student and a sixth former are confirmed to have died as results of the outbreak. At present there are 20 confirmed or suspected cases of people that have contracted the disease.

The government has initiated a targeted vaccine programme, with 5,000 students on the University of Kent being offered jabs. Those at best risk from the disease are young children and young adults or older teenagers.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has told the BBC that the Kent outbreak is “unprecedented” but added that the general level of risk stays “very low”.

The Archbishop of Canterbury can also be the diocesan bishop for the Diocese of Canterbury, which covers the world impacted by the outbreak.

In an announcement Archbishop Mullally said, “My prayers are with the families of the 2 young individuals who have tragically died within the meningitis outbreak in Kent. My heart goes out to them of their devastating loss. I’m praying too for all those that’ve been affected by the outbreak, and for everybody working so hard to take care of them and protect local communities.”

The Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, David Monteith, echoed her sentiments, saying the community was “very saddened to listen to of the death of young people from the University of Kent and a neighbouring school in Faversham consequently of meningitis”.

Dame Sarah is attributable to be installed at Canterbury Cathedral on 25 March. On Tuesday she began a six-day walking pilgrimage from London. During the journey Mullally said she can be visiting churches and other holy sites along the way in which, in addition to praying and interceding for those she meets on her journey.