The proprietor of a nightclub has given a somber update following a meningitis outbreak in the vicinity that has resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals.
A staff member at Club Chemistry in Canterbury has been admitted to the hospital with confirmed meningitis, as disclosed by the club’s owner. Numerous other individuals are seeking medical attention in connection with an outbreak associated with the establishment.
Louise Jones-Roberts informed the BBC that the afflicted staff member is undergoing treatment and awaits further tests to assess their progress. Two additional staff members are presently in the emergency room with suspected 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 an attendance of over 2,000 people at the club from March 5 to 7, contact tracing and antibiotic treatment are now necessary measures. Jones-Roberts stated, “The decision to close is not a difficult one – we are dealing with people’s lives.” The club will remain shuttered until further notice.
This outbreak occurs amidst a broader meningitis crisis in Kent, with three schools confirming cases and two student fatalities. One of the deceased students, Juliette, a year 13 pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, was lauded by her headteacher as “incredibly kind, thoughtful, and intelligent.” The other fatality occurred at the University of Kent, where some students have been placed in induced comas.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 13 cases since March 13, including the two fatalities. UKHSA is urging individuals who visited Club Chemistry during the specified weekend to seek antibiotics. Guidance has also been disseminated to approximately 16,000 faculty and students at the University of Kent.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, expressed condolences to the affected individuals and emphasized the importance of anyone who visited Club Chemistry between March 5 and 7 to seek preventative antibiotic treatment.
Students at the university campus queued for antibiotics, some sporting face masks, while staff distributed more antibiotics. Among them were two teenage brothers whose friend is hospitalized with meningitis, while another acquaintance is in an induced coma.
Affected schools, including Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys and Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, confirmed that year 13 students are receiving hospital care. Headteachers and parents have been advised to adhere to UKHSA guidance.
Rosie Duffield, Independent MP for Canterbury, highlighted that close contact is necessary for meningitis transmission and encouraged concerned individuals to contact her office or their GP.
A spokesperson for the University of Kent stated that the institution is following UKHSA directives, communicating with students and staff, and reaching out to known contacts of any cases. The spokesperson acknowledged the distressing and worrisome circumstances for members of the community.
Antibiotics for individuals who visited Club Chemistry can be obtained from Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital; Westgate Hall, Canterbury; the Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Margate Northwood Rd; and the Senate Building at the University of Kent.