A mother whose daughter fell ill with meningitis and was hospitalized has provided an update on her daughter’s condition. Keeleigh Goodwin, 22, had been at Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury, Kent, where an infection outbreak resulting in two fatalities occurred. Her mother, Khali Goodwin, detailed the symptoms Keeleigh experienced before seeking medical attention and shared the current status of her daughter’s health following the contraction of the potentially fatal infection.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating the outbreak that claimed the lives of two individuals, one identified as 18-year-old student Juliette and the other a 21-year-old University of Kent student.
Khali mentioned that her daughter, who resides in Canterbury, visited Club Chemistry on Thursday night with a friend and later sent alarming messages to her mother on Saturday. Keeleigh has been in the hospital combating the infection since Saturday evening, with Khali providing a positive health update to The Mirror.
The concerned mother disclosed that although her daughter remains isolated, there are signs of improvement in her condition. While Keeleigh’s blood pressure and temperature are stabilizing, she continues to experience headaches.
Khali recounted the distressing symptoms her daughter exhibited before emergency services were contacted. Initially attributing the illness to Covid, Khali advised Keeleigh to undergo testing and rest. However, as Keeleigh’s condition worsened, Khali realized the severity of the situation.
Following a series of events, including a seizure and fall resulting in a head injury, Keeleigh was swiftly taken to the hospital after her housemate’s prompt action, a decision that Khali believes saved her daughter’s life. Despite not being a university student, Keeleigh worked locally and resided near Club Chemistry.
Khali issued a vital caution to parents in similar circumstances as the UKHSA has reported 15 cases in Kent. She stressed the importance of not dismissing symptoms and urged seeking medical advice promptly if there are concerns.
In response to the outbreak, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that students in university halls in Kent will be offered the meningitis B vaccine to curb the infection spread. Streeting highlighted that most students are not vaccinated against menB and assured that vaccination efforts will commence shortly. The menB vaccine has been part of routine childhood immunizations on the NHS since 2015, but many students have not received it.