The proprietor of a local club has shared a somber update following a meningitis outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals in the vicinity.
A staff member at Club Chemistry in Canterbury has been hospitalized with confirmed meningitis, as confirmed by the club owner. The establishment is now linked to an outbreak that has prompted hundreds of others to seek medical attention.
Louise Jones-Roberts informed the BBC that the affected staff member is currently undergoing treatment and awaiting further tests to assess their condition. Additionally, two other staff members are currently in the emergency department with suspected cases of meningitis, awaiting test results.
Out of the club’s 95 staff members, approximately 90 have been contacted and advised to take antibiotics as a precaution. Following the attendance of over 2,000 individuals at the club from March 5 to 7, contact tracing and antibiotic administration are now necessary measures.
The decision to temporarily close the club was made to safeguard lives, according to Ms. Jones-Roberts. The club will remain closed until further notice due to the severity of the situation.
This outbreak occurs within the context of a broader meningitis crisis in Kent, with confirmed cases in three schools and the tragic loss of two students. One of the deceased students, Juliette, was described as a compassionate and intelligent year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham. The other fatality took place at the University of Kent, where some students are currently in induced comas.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 13 cases since March 13, including the two fatalities. Individuals who visited Club Chemistry during the specified weekend are urged to come forward for antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, guidance has been issued to approximately 16,000 individuals at the University of Kent.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, expressed condolences and emphasized the importance of seeking preventative treatment for those who visited the club during the affected period.
At the university, students queued for antibiotics, with some wearing face masks and staff distributing supplies. Among them were two brothers whose friend is hospitalized with meningitis, while another acquaintance is in a coma.
Affected schools include Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys and Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, where year 13 students are receiving medical care. Headteachers and parents have been advised to adhere to UKHSA guidelines.
Independent MP for Canterbury, Rosie Duffield, highlighted the necessity of close contact for the transmission of meningitis and encouraged concerned individuals to reach out for support.
The University of Kent is closely following UKHSA advice, engaging with students and staff, and reaching out to contacts of confirmed cases. The university acknowledges the distressing nature of the situation for its community members.
For individuals who were present at Club Chemistry, antibiotics can be obtained from various locations including Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Westgate Hall in Canterbury, the Carey Building at Thanet Hub in Margate Northwood Rd, and the Senate Building at the University of Kent.