Meningitis outbreak in Kent latest as tribute paid to student

One of those who died was a Year 13 student called Juliette, who was described by her headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham in Kent as “incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent”.

The other person who died attended the University of Kent.

The Press Association understands that some of those in hospital have been put into induced comas.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Monday evening it was continuing to investigate the outbreak of meningitis, with 13 cases confirmed in Kent since March 13.

It urged anyone who visited the nightclub Club Chemistry on March 5, 6 or 7 to come forward for antibiotics as a “precautionary measure”.

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.

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.”

The UKHSA said it acted as soon as it was notified of a cluster of cases.

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.”

Amelia McIlroy, the headteacher of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, confirmed one of its year 13 pupils had died.

She said: “It is with great sadness that we are confirming the loss of Juliette, a much loved and treasured member of our school community.

“Juliette was a student at our school for seven years. She was incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent and she loved our school and was very happy here.

“Juliette embraced everything that school had to offer with great enthusiasm and joy and her humour and positivity were captivating.

“She was a genuinely caring and attentive listener, a true friend – who listened with warmth, respect and sincere interest to her peers and to our staff.

“In short, she was a lovely girl – her beautiful smile, her loving nature and her sense of fun will be hugely missed. We are all devastated.

“Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends at this terribly sad time.”

At the university campus on Monday, students described their worries as they queued for antibiotics.

The specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified.

Several students were wearing face masks and staff handed out more to those waiting.

Two teenage brothers said they had been left terrified after going to a party which was hosted by a friend who is now in hospital with meningitis.

Matthew McDonagh, 16, and his brother Luca, 17, were at a party in Whitstable, Kent, on Saturday with one person who has now been diagnosed with the infection.

Another person from their friendship circle was already in an induced coma after recently contracting meningitis.

Luca, who is in year 13, said no one in his year group at Simon Langton Grammar School is allowed to go in for lessons.

He and his brother, also at same school, were told to come to the University of Kent to receive a precautionary antibiotic.

Matthew told the Press Association: “It’s quite scary. Like, just like, I can’t believe it. It’s just insane…

“It’s completely unbelievable. I never thought this would happen again (after Covid).

“We’ve been told that we don’t even know if the pill that they give you is actually going to help us.”

Luca said: “It’s pretty terrifying.”

The headmaster of the Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys also said in a letter to parents that one of its year 13 students has been admitted to hospital with meningitis.

An update sent to parents at the Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, Kent, confirmed a diagnosis for a year 13 student admitted to hospital.

The letter said: “We are writing to update you following our earlier communication regarding the student in year 13 who had been admitted to hospital with a suspected case of meningitis.

“We have now been informed that the diagnosis has been confirmed and the student is receiving appropriate hospital treatment.”

It added: “We understand that this news may heighten concern within our community. We want to reassure you that we remain in close contact with the UKHSA and their advice to the school has not changed.”

Rosie Duffield, Independent MP for Canterbury, said she has received a briefing from the UKHSA, who were stressing that meningitis needs “fairly intimate contact” to spread between people.

She said people could contact her office if they were worried.

She told PA: “We’ve all got to be really sensible but we should not panic too much.”

She added: “If anyone is worried they can call my office or their GP. We can also put them in touch with the right people at the university.”

Anyone can get meningitis but it is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults and it can spread very quickly in places such as universities and colleges.

Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry in Canterbury, told PA the venue had been contacted by the UKHSA in the hope of tracing anyone affected, but explained there may be challenges.

“They have asked us if we have any methods for tracing who has been in to us,” she said earlier on Monday.

“We have an ID scanner but that is more of a security measure… It takes pictures of driving licences, ID cards and on so on.

“We’ve got tickets for events so we could trace ticket holders, but most people pay on the door.

“I’m devastated,” she said. “I can’t imagine what the families are going through…

“We will stay closed until we get further advice from the UKHSA.”

A University of Kent spokesperson said on Monday it was taking advice from UKHSA and communicating with students and staff.

“They have also been contacting known contacts of any cases in our community with advice on what to do and any next steps,” it said.

“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.”

Those people who attended Club Chemistry can collect antibiotics from Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury Hospital; Westgate Hall on Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury; the Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Margate Northwood Rd and the Senate building at the University of Kent.