Canterbury clubbers to be given antibiotics following Kent meningitis outbreak
UKHSA: People should come forward for preventative treatment
Anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on March 5th, 6th or 7th should “come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure”, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said following a meningitis outbreak.
Two people are known to have died of 13 cases notified in Kent since Friday, and advice has been issued to 16,000 staff and students at the University of Kent, the UKHSA said.
Three schools have confirmed cases of meningitis after an outbreak killed two students and others were admitted to hospital.
One of those who died was a year 13 student called Juliette, who was described by her headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham as “incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent”.
The other person who died attended the University of Kent.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA regional deputy director for the South East, said: “Our thoughts remain with the friends and family involved and we understand that many people in the university and wider community will be affected by this sad news.
“Our investigations have identified that some cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury and it is important that anyone who visited the club between 5th and 7th March now comes forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precaution, as well as those offered antibiotics at the university – these students are being contacted directly through the university.”
The UKHSA said it acted as soon as it was notified of a cluster of cases.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: “UKHSA was notified of a cluster of cases late on Saturday. We acted immediately and communication to those at risk took place on Saturday evening and Sunday.”
At the university campus on Monday, students described their worries as they queued for antibiotics.
The specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified.
Several students were wearing face masks and staff handed out more to those waiting.
The headmaster of the Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys also said in a letter to parents that one of its year 13 students has been admitted to hospital with meningitis.
An update sent to parents at the Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, Kent, confirmed a diagnosis for a year 13 student admitted to hospital.
The letter said: “We are writing to update you following our earlier communication regarding the student in year 13 who had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of meningitis.
“We have now been informed that the diagnosis has been confirmed and the student is receiving appropriate hospital treatment.”
It added: “We understand that this news may heighten concern within our community. We want to reassure you that we remain in close contact with the UKHSA and their advice to the school has not changed.”
Anyone can get meningitis but it is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults and it can spread very quickly in places such as universities and colleges.
Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry in Canterbury, told PA the venue had been contacted by the UKHSA in the hope of tracing anyone affected, but explained there may be challenges.
“They have asked us if we have any methods for tracing who has been in to us,” she said earlier on Monday.
“We have an ID scanner but that is more of a security measure… It takes pictures of driving licences, ID cards and on so on.
“We’ve got tickets for events so we could trace ticket holders, but most people pay on the door.
“I’m devastated,” she said. “I can’t imagine what the families are going through…
“We will stay closed until we get further advice from the UKHSA.”
A University of Kent spokesperson said on Monday it was taking advice from UKHSA and communicating with students and staff.
“They have also been contacting known contacts of any cases in our community with advice on what to do and any next steps,” it said.
“A reminder that there will be no in-person assessments or exams this week, and schools will be in direct contact with students to provide details on alternative arrangements.
“We recognise that this is a very sad and worrying time for many members of our community.”
Those people who attended Club Chemistry can collect antibiotics from Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital; Westgate Hall on Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury; the Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Margate Northwood Rd and the Senate building at the University of Kent.