Staff member at Club Chemistry confirmed to have meningitis as Kent outbreak spreads
Emergency measures are being taken to stop the epidemic before students disperse across Britain for the Easter break.
Another case of meningitis has been identified linked to a nightclub in Kent.
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Canterbury’s Club Chemistry has been linked to the outbreak, which has left two students dead and 11 people ill in hospital.
The owner of the nightclub has confirmed that a staff member at the club has contracted meningitis and is doing well with treatment.
More than 2,000 people would have visited the venue over the three dates identified by health officials – March 5, 6 and 7. Anyone who visited the club over those dates is being urged to come forward for antibiotics.
Louise Jones-Roberts, the owner of Club Chemistry said she believed more than one case was connected to mingling at the club and she had “been told they started showing symptoms on March 10”.
She said almost all staff members have been traced and told to get antibiotics.
“I just really hope people know the symptoms and no more lives are lost,” she added.
The club is closed until further notice.
Health officials said this morning that Meningitis B has been identified as the strain behind the cases. Thirteen cases have been reported since Friday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says fast-acting infection Meningitis B is the specific strain behind the some of the cases, it is understood.
Emergency measures are being taken to stop the epidemic before students disperse across Britain for the Easter break.
Experts say the outbreak has already spread outside of Canterbury, and cases have been reported in neighbouring towns of Ashford and Whitstable.
MenB is the most common cause of meningococcal meningitis - an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord - in the UK.
Britain rolled out routine vaccination against Men B for babies and young children in 2015.
Read more: At least two dead and 11 'seriously ill' after 'invasive' meningitis outbreak at University of Kent
It means the current cohort of students and those in their late teens are likely unvaccinated.
However, children aged 13 or 14 are offered vaccination against other meningitis strains via a school-run programme.
Tributes have been paid to A-level student, Juliette, whose parents requested that her surname not be reported, after she was confirmed to be one of those who had died from the disease on Monday.
The 18-year-old pupil at a Faversham grammar school was described as "happy and caring" by her bereaved parents.
Juliette's father told reporters that her family was "beyond devastated" and had "no words to express their loss".
The disease also killed a 21-year-old student from the University of Kent.
The UKHSA is now advising anyone who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury on March 5, 6 or 7 to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a “precautionary measure”.
The agency has said it will confirm the other cases “when we have the full results”.
It comes amid suggestions that the sharing of vapes could be behind the rapid spread.
Officials fear the infection has already spread beyond Kent after the UKHSA admitted it had waited a full day before revealing the outbreak to the public on Sunday, sources told the Telegraph.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has described the deaths of two young people in a meningitis outbreak in Kent as a “devastating loss”.
Dame Sarah Mullally, who was preparing to begin a pilgrimage to Canterbury from London on Tuesday, said her prayers are with the families of all those affected.
In a statement on Tuesday, Dame Sarah said: “My prayers are with the families of the two young people who have tragically died in the meningitis outbreak in Kent.
“My heart goes out to them in their devastating loss.
“I’m praying too for all those who’ve been affected by the outbreak, and for everyone working so hard to care for them and protect local communities.”
Scientists also suggest that a new strain of the disease may be behind the fast-spreading outbreak, but a new vaccine cannot be developed until it is identified.
Prof Andrew Preston, professor of microbial pathogenicity at the University of Bath, told The Telegraph: “An outbreak of this size and speed is very unusual, and of great concern.
“It is important to characterise the cause of the outbreak. A sudden change in disease pattern could indicate something like a new strain with different behaviours. It will be important to ascertain the vaccination status of those affected.”
At least 11 others are said to be seriously ill with the contagious condition, which causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
One person is in a coma with the disease.
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.
“If you think you may have symptoms of meningitis, don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.It can affect anyone but is more common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly, and can lead to life-threatening sepsis and permanent damage to the brain or nerves.