Tragedy after night out: thousands warned as meningitis outbreak linked to Canterbury club
The Canterbury nightclub, Club Chemistry, has issued a heartbreaking statement following the deaths of two individuals who sadly lost their battle with meningitis - 11 people remain in hospital.
A nightclub in Kent has spoken out after a meningitis outbreak in the area has killed at least two people and left 11 others in a serious condition.
Common symptoms of meningitis include a high temperature, cold hands and feet, vomiting, confusion, pale skin, and spots or a rash. While viral meningitis usually gets better on its own, bacterial meningitis can be fatal. Overall, it’s estimated that up to 1 in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis results in death.
According to a friend of two of the people battling meningitis, they had been out clubbing to celebrate a birthday at Club Chemistry, but what should have been a fun night out turned into a nightmare just a few days later when members of the group fell ill and were rushed to hospital.
The friend, who has remained anonymous, has spoken to MailOnline about when her friends began to exhibit symptoms. The woman revealed that within days of the night out, several members of the group began to feel increasingly unwell.
She told the Mail: "My pal went out for her birthday with her partner and a few friends. The plan was to go clubbing and have a nice time, as teenagers do." She added: "She simply wanted a nice evening with her friends for her birthday, but after attending Club Chemistry, she came out really ill in the coming days - which ended with some in hospital."
The woman said her friend experienced symptoms such as paleness, sickness, and tiredness before attending A&E this weekend.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is contacting more than 30,000 students, their families, and university staff to inform them about the outbreak, the BBC reports. A spokesperson said antibiotics were being given to some students in Canterbury. Specialists are now interviewing affected individuals and their families to "help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread," the UKHSA said.
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through sneezing, coughing, or kissing.
Club Chemistry has addressed the outbreak by way of a post on Facebook which reads: "Important health notice following the meningitis outbreak in Canterbury. Please read this and share it with those who could be impacted by this."
It goes on to say: "We have been made aware of a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury. You have probably seen the heartbreaking news that two people have sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with their families and those affected by this. We want to make sure everyone in our community is informed and stays safe, so please read and share this information with those who could be affected."
Technology & Business Editor
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