As concerns grow over the ongoing meningitis outbreak in Kent, those who attended Canterbury’s Club Chemistry on the evenings of March 5, 6 and 7 have been urged to seek antibiotics
As fears grow over of the “unprecedented” meningitis outbreak, focus has turned to a lively student haunt in the centre of Canterbury.
Advertised as “the biggest nightclub in Kent”, the family-run Club Chemistry has been running nightlife events since 1987, with generations of University of Kent students dancing the night away at this “iconic” venue. In recent days, however, the name Club Chemistry has become known across the country for a very tragic reason.
Addressing the House of Commons on March 17, Health Secretary Wes Streeting revealed that the majority of cases can be traced back to the three-storey nightclub, with the illness particularly affecting those who attended on March 5, 6 and 7.
Mere days before, those at Club Chemistry were preparing to celebrate 39 years at the heart of Canterbury’s nightlife, with a special birthday bash celebrating almost four decades of “late-night chaos, epic stories and unforgettable nights on the dancefloor”.
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In a Facebook post dated March 3, Club Chemistry invited revellers to join them on March 28 to mark the occasion, reflecting: “Best mates have been made here. People have met their partners here. Some have even met the love of their life here. If anyone knows how to throw a party, we do!”
Sadly, this milestone will now have a more sombre tone. Five new cases of meningitis have been identified today in Kent, bringing the total number under scrutiny by health authorities to 20. The outbreak has so far resulted in the deaths of two young individuals, 18-year-old schoolgirl Juliette and a 21-year-old University of Kent student.
Ranked the second-best nightlife destination in Canterbury, Club Chemistry has clocked up plenty of glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, even scooping a Traveller’s Choice award just last year. In recent days, however, the fun-filled snaps on Club Chemistry’s social media pages have been swapped out for important health notices, directing followers to relevant government and local healthcare information.
One post reads: “We have been made aware of a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury. You have probably seen the heartbreaking news that 2 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.” It’s understood that a member of staff at the club has also contracted meningitis.
Responding to concerns from followers, staff have clarified that the club will be “closed for the entire week, including the weekend”, emphasising, “The safety of our staff and guests is and always will be our absolute priority.” Those enquiring about now-cancelled pre-booked events have been advised “to submit a refund through the ticket company” directly. “Club Chemistry is currently closed voluntarily,” Mr Streeting has clarified.
With many frightened students having reportedly fled home amid the panic, the nearby University of Kent campus is said to be like a “ghost town”. And it’s unlikely those left will be in the mood for the throwback Indie Rock Nights and midweek deals so synonymous with the British uni experience. While other student towns will this week be celebrating St Patrick’s Day, those in Canterbury have been lining up outside the Senate building to receive meningitis antibiotics.
Mr Streeting has warned that meningitis symptoms are “easily mistaken for common conditions”, like a hangover, and has urged anyone who attended Club Chemistry from March 5 to 7 March to attend a treatment centre where they can obtain antibiotics. It’s understood that more than 2,000 people attended on these dates. The Health Secretary has confirmed that this also applies to anyone who believes they were in close contact with an individual who is confirmed or suspected to have meningitis.
Club owner Louise Jones-Roberts said previously: “We have been told somebody was in our club at the weekend who has since been diagnosed with meningitis. They have asked us if we have any methods for tracing who has been in to us. We have an ID scanner, but that is more of a security measure… It takes pictures of driving licences, ID cards and so on.”
According to LBC News, Ms Jones-Roberts believes more than one infection was linked to mingling at Club Chemistry, and she had “been told they started showing symptoms on March 10”. The owner of the nightclub also confirmed on Tuesday that a staff member at the club has contracted meningitis and is doing well with treatment.
Meanwhile, a mother has claimed her daughter caught meningitis by sharing a vape at Club Chemistry on March 12. Mum-of-six Khali Goodwin says 22-year-old McDonald’s worker Keeleigh was lucky to survive after being rushed to hospital with sickness, headaches and fatigue. It was then that she was diagnosed with meningitis B.
Khali, from Herne Bay, Kent, told The Sun: “I never, in a million trillion years, ever thought it would be this. Never. She had a lumbar puncture and CT scans and stuff… and when it came back, I said, ‘How? How has she got that? She’s protected?’ But it didn’t come out until 2015, this vaccine.” She continued: “She’s said she can’t see herself ever going out again. It’s absolutely frightened the life out of her.”
In response to Keeleigh’s story, Ms Jones-Roberts said: “I’m devastated for the families affected. It’s so incredibly sad. I just really hope people know the symptoms and no more lives are lost.” While health bodies do not list vaping as a transmission route of meningitis, authorities do say the infection is spread via saliva and droplets, meaning it can be transmitted through the use of shared utensils, cutlery, cups and even toothbrushes, and can also spread via sneezing, coughing and kissing.
Casey Marlow also became ill following a Spring Fling night at the Canterbury club on Friday, March 6, with mum Emma Marlow recalling how the 19-year-old’s condition quickly started to deteriorate. Emma, from Ashford, Kent, told the Daily Mail: “She had a raging temperature, a stiff neck and a terrible headache. She looked really pale, and we just went to the hospital, where she has been ever since. Thankfully, Casey is now expected to make a full recovery with antibiotics. Emma added: “She’s in isolation, but she’s getting a bit of colour back and is getting a lot of mummy care.”
Meanwhile, Annabelle Mackay, 21, who also contracted meningitis after a night at Club Chemistry, told The Sun: “I’d be dead if it wasn’t for my mum and housemates”. The law student, who had been celebrating her 21st birthday at the club, told of how housemates rushed her to hospital after he collapsed, saving her life. She recalled: “My body had started to shut down by the time they carried me out of our door half an hour later.”
The Mirror has reached out to Club Chemistry for further comment.
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