‘Videos are terrifying’: Students describe fear spreading on social media after two die of meningitis in Canterbury

The rapid spread of information—and misinformation—on social media is amplifying the anxiety surrounding the meningitis outbreak. As students grapple with the reality of illness and death in their community, the psychological impact of such events can be profound. The university's response, including online exams and antibiotic distribution, reflects an attempt to manage both the health crisis and the accompanying panic.