The outbreak of meningitis B has now extended to a second university. The UK Health Security Agency has verified a case of meningococcal disease in a student at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU). This development follows the tragic deaths of a University of Kent student and a sixth-form pupil in Faversham due to meningitis, which has been linked to Club Chemistry, a nightclub in Canterbury.
Health authorities disclosed that five new cases of the disease have been identified in Kent, bringing the total number of confirmed and suspected cases to 20.
In response to the situation, CCCU’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Rama Thirunamachandran stated that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a case of meningococcal disease involving a CCCU student. The university is collaborating with health agencies and partners to address the outbreak associated with Club Chemistry. Despite the challenging circumstances, the university remains committed to supporting the affected individuals while ensuring the continuity of essential activities on campus.
Simultaneously, the University of Kent has initiated the distribution of the meningitis B vaccine to approximately 5,000 students at its Canterbury campus. Additionally, in coordination with the UKHSA, the university is providing antibiotics to students and staff members as a precautionary measure.
Out of the 20 total confirmed and suspected meningitis cases, nine have been confirmed through laboratory tests, with 11 still under investigation. Notably, six of the confirmed cases are attributed to the meningitis B strain.
General practitioners nationwide have been instructed to prescribe antibiotics to individuals who visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between March 5 and 7, as well as to students from the University of Kent.
The UKHSA emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice if symptoms are present, as antibiotics are crucial in containing the spread of meningococcal disease. The agency highlighted that over 2,500 doses of antibiotics have been administered to students and contacts, including those who frequented Club Chemistry during the specified dates. Furthermore, GPs are advised to offer preventative treatment to individuals who visited the nightclub and university students, ensuring convenient access to essential care.
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