An outbreak of meningitis in Kent has resulted in two fatalities, with the total number of confirmed and suspected cases now standing at 27, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
The figure represents an increase from the 20 cases reported the previous day.
As of Wednesday evening, 15 infections had been laboratory confirmed, while a further 12 were undergoing investigation.
Both individuals who died were students.
No cases have been recorded in Oxfordshire.
Oxford Brookes University confirmed it was closely observing developments following the deaths in Kent.
The institution stated that the health and safety of its student and staff population remained its primary concern.
Advisories detailing the indicators of meningitis and the importance of obtaining prompt medical assessment had been circulated to students and employees earlier in the week.
The university reported it was adhering to recommendations from Public Health England and the UK Health Security Agency while maintaining active surveillance of the situation.
Oxford University students departed the city for the end of academic term on March 14, preceding the emergence of the cluster in Kent, with their return scheduled for April.
During the interim period, university personnel continued communicating guidance and health information to the student body.
The Health Secretary attended the University of Kent campus on Thursday and announced that the meningococcal B vaccination programme would be extended to additional individuals.
According to Mr Streeting, more than 600 vaccine doses were administered during the initial afternoon session.
The immunisation initiative is set to reach several thousand students over the following days.
Medical professionals at the White Horse Medical Centre in Faringdon acknowledged heightened public concern, stating that numerous patients had already been in contact with the practice.
The clinic confirmed a positive situation for Oxfordshire, reporting an absence of cases or significant worries within the county.
All verified infections remained localized to Kent, with no indication of transmission to neighbouring areas.
Oxford University Hospitals Trust stressed the gravity of meningitis when left untreated, noting that timely intervention was essential.
The UKHSA has called upon individuals displaying potential indicators to obtain medical assistance by contacting their general practitioner or dialling the NHS 111 helpline.
During remarks to journalists at the Canterbury campus, the Health Secretary characterized the outbreak as fundamentally different from the coronavirus pandemic, maintaining that the prospective danger to the broader population was minimal.
Meningococcal type B is transmitted through sustained close physical contact or intimate interaction.
Characteristic signs encompass fever, chills in the extremities, nausea, disorientation, muscular discomfort, pallid or discoloured skin, lesions or eruptions, cephalgia, neck rigidity, photophobia, extreme lethargy and convulsive episodes.