Two people have died and 11 are reportedly seriously ill in hospital after an outbreak of a rare form of invasive meningitis at the University of Kent.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had provided antibiotics to students in the Canterbury area after it detected 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, a combination of meningitis and septicaemia.

The fast-acting disease is caused by meningococcal bacteria spreading to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which causes meningitis, and infecting the bloodstream, which causes sepsis.

The UKHSA said anyone with meningitis and septicaemia symptoms should seek medical help urgently, which could help save lives.

Symptoms include rashes, a sudden fever, severe headaches, a stiff neck, vomiting and diarrhoea, joint and muscle pain, sensitivity to bright lights, cold hands and feet, seizures, confusion and extreme sleepiness.

The UKHSA confirmed two people had died, while the BBC reported one of these was a student and that another 11 were seriously ill in hospital.

Specialists at the UKHSA have been interviewing the families of those affected to identify close contacts and arrange antibiotics. The specific strain of the disease has not been identified.

Trish Mannes, UKHSA south-east deputy director, said: “We understand that many people at the university and in the wider community will be affected by this sad news and we would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved.”

She said close contacts of cases have been given antibiotics “as a precautionary measure”.

“Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia,” she said.

“Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because they can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.”

She added: “That’s why it’s vital that, if a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don’t hesitate to seek medical help. This could save their life.”

The Guardian has approached the University of Kent for comment.