A friend of two people battling meningitis following an outbreak at the University of Kent has spoken about when they began to exhibit symptoms and what happened next
A friend of two of the people battling meningitis following an outbreak at the University of Kent has spoken out about the terrifying symptoms they suffered.
It is believed 11 students, between 17 and 21, from the Canterbury area are understood to be receiving hospital treatment and reported to be seriously ill with signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are contacting more than 30,000 students, their families and university staff to inform them on 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.
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Yikes!
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.” But what should have been a fun night out turned into a nightmare.
The friend added: “She simply wanted a nice evening with her friends for her birthday, but after attending Club Chemistry, 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. A lumbar puncture procedure confirmed she had contracted meningitis. She added another man who had gone to the same club is currently in a coma because of the infection, while one more was displaying symptoms.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.
It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.
How meningitis is spread
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:
Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.
A University of Kent spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that one student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis. Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.
“The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with public health teams and are in touch with staff and students to ensure they get the advice and support they need.”
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 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.”
After sharing the latest advice from the UK Health Security Agency the venue concluded: “We are awaiting further information from the Health Security Agency, which we will share with you as soon as we have it. Please look out for each other. Our thoughts are with anyone affected by this.”
Club Chemistry has been contacted by The Mirror for more information.
