The meningitis outbreak in Kent has resulted in the deaths of two people aged 18 and 21, according to multiple reports. More than 4,500 young people have been vaccinated in a drive to tackle the outbreak, and the number of confirmed or suspected meningitis cases has risen from 27 to 29, all hospitalized, the UK Health Security Agency said. Annabelle Mackay, a University of Kent student, described being in so much pain that she did not process losing her vision, calling it scary for her family and friends, according to BBC News - England. She also expressed gratitude for being alive, according to the same source.
The outbreak is thought to have originated at Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury, multiple reports indicate. Khali Goodwin said her 22-year-old daughter Keeleigh contracted meningitis B after sharing a vape in the nightclub. Club Chemistry nightclub in Canterbury will reopen on Thursday, 18 days after it shut amid the meningitis outbreak.
I was just in so much pain in my body that I didn't have time to process that I couldn't see, but it was definitely really scary for my family and my friends.
Visitors to Club Chemistry must avoid kissing and intimate contact with others, the nightclub stated. Club Chemistry has set up a COVID-like 'track and trace' system to contact club-goers if further cases emerge. According to Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry, the venue conducted two thorough cleans and passed inspections by public health and environmental health officers while closed. In a social media post, Club Chemistry advised steps to keep safe, including avoiding sharing personal items like vapes and drinks, being mindful of intimate contact, and seeking medical advice for symptoms.
There hasn't been a single new case of meningitis recorded since March 20, multiple reports indicate. Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, said the peak from the initial super spreader event has already passed, but secondary cases are still possible. Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council's director of public health, noted there could be more sporadic meningitis cases elsewhere. The exact number of confirmed versus suspected meningitis cases remains unclear, and it is uncertain how many secondary cases might still occur.
I feel so grateful to be alive.
Four schools in the Canterbury area have confirmed or suspected meningitis cases, multiple reports indicate. The specific measures being taken by schools with confirmed or suspected cases have not been detailed. Juliette Kenny's dad described the family as beyond devastated with no words to express their loss, according to Daily Mirror - Main. The effectiveness of Club Chemistry's 'track and trace' system in preventing further spread is also unknown.
Steps you can take to help keep yourself and others safe. Avoid sharing personal items such as vapes, cigarettes, lipsticks, drinks or anything that comes into contact with your mouth. Be mindful about intimate contact, such as kissing. Be aware of the symptoms. If you notice any symptoms, seek medical advice. If you are eligible and wish to do so, you can receive the MenB vaccine, which offers protection against the infection. If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend. Be mindful of those around you, what may feel like a minor illness to one person could pose a serious risk to someone else.
The family are beyond devastated and they have no words to express their loss.