Communities across Kent remain on high alert following a meningitis outbreak which has claimed the lives of two young people, including sixth form college student Juliette
Communities tonight continue to grieve two young people amid a meningitis outbreak in Kent.
Juliette, a sixth form college student, was remembered as “a true friend” while respects have also been paid to the University of Kent student killed. Others have been admitted people in hospital with meningitis, including some in induced comas.
And now it is urged anyone who visited the nightclub Club Chemistry in Canterbury, Kent, on March 5, 6 or 7 to come forward for antibiotics as a “precautionary measure”. The club’s owner told reporters more than 2,000 people would have attended the club over those dates.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advice has also been issued to 16,000 staff and students at the University of Kent, where antibiotics are also being offered to those who need them. Students were pictured queuing on the campus on Monday amid the panic.
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Sharing their grief on Monday evening, Juliette’s family said they are “beyond devastated and they have no words to express their loss.” Amelia McIlroy, the headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, Kent, said 18-year-old Juliette “embraced everything the school had to offer and was genuinely caring”.
Three schools, including Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, have confirmed cases of meningitis. The specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified, authorities have confirmed.
The Mirror is now able to list the timeline of events that have led to the tragedies, pinpointing when the UKHSA was made aware of the cluster of cases and what is being done now.
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March 5, 6 and 7
More than 2,000 people attended Club Chemistry across these three nights. Health authorities now understand it was likely among those people were individuals with meningitis or its symptoms, even if they were unaware of this.
Therefore, anyone who did visit the nightclub then should come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precaution. Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry, said: “I’ve been told they started showing symptoms on March 10.” Around 90 members of staff were on duty these nights and the majority of these have gone to get antibiotics.
“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,” Ms Jones-Roberts said.
Around March 10
The majority of those with meningitis experiened symptoms on or around this date. These symptoms typically include a high temperature, vomiting and headaches.
Ms Jones-Roberts said she was aware of those who had contracted meningitis after their visits to her nightclub fell unwell on or around March 10, which was three to five days after the visits. She said the club would remain closed until further notice, adding: “It is not a hard decision to close – we are talking about people’s lives.”
March 14
UKHSA was made aware of the cluster of cases in the area. It acted as soon as it was notified of this. 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.”
It has been in communication with the University of Kent, which has said it is liaising with students and staff. A spokesperson for the redbrick said: “They have also been contacting known contacts of any cases in our community with advice on what to do and any next steps.
“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.”
March 16
It was confirmed two people have died as a result of the outbreak, including Juliette. Health authorities continue to investigate the outbreak of meningitis, with 13 cases notified since Friday March 13, including the two deaths.
Speaking on Monday morning, 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.”
