A powerful image of 19-year-old Casey Marlow in hospital has brought national attention to a meningitis outbreak in Kent, where two young people have died and at least 11 others remain seriously ill
A heartbreaking photograph of a 19-year-old battling meningitis has been shared, amid a terrifying outbreak of the infection that has already claimed the life of two young people in Kent and left 11 others seriously ill. The harrowing image shows 19-year-old Casey Marlow lying in a hospital bed, frail and hooked up to medical equipment.
Emma Marlow, Casey’s mum, has been keeping vigil by her side at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, fearing at times she might, too, lose her daughter.
Casey, who had recently celebrated her birthday with friends at a Canterbury nightclub, began feeling unwell a few days after the outing. “Casey went to the nightclub on Friday, March 6 and a few days later said she had a sore throat, but at first we didn’t think anything of it,” Mrs Marlow told the Daily Mail.
The situation quickly escalated, as the mum recalled: “Then on Saturday she pulled up outside my house and called me said she felt awful, 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.
“She’s in isolation but she’s getting a bit of colour back and is getting a lot of mummy care.” Casey, who works at Five Guys, initially thought her fatigue and exhaustion were due to a common bug, the Daily Mail reported.
Mrs Marlow said: “We just didn’t think it was anything serious, just one of those bugs that goes around. She said she had no energy and just felt so exhausted but the Saturday she was taken in she had such a raging temperature and looked awful. You just don’t think something like this will happen to you or one of your family.”
A serious meningitis outbreak in Kent has resulted in two deaths and left several others critically ill, with the infection linked to social gatherings at nightclubs and among students. Casey was rushed to hospital after her symptoms worsened, and is now recovering thanks to prompt medical care.
Mrs Marlow urged: “We just hope they all pull through. It’s awful for those who have lost children. I would just say to people be aware and even if you aren’t sure just get yourself checked out if you live in the area and don’t feel well.”
At least 11 people in Kent have been left seriously ill and are currently fighting meningitis following the recent outbreak linked to a Canterbury nightclub. In addition to these cases, two people, a student at the University of Kent and a Year 13 pupil at a Faversham school, have died as a result of the outbreak.
Mrs Marlow subsequently questioned the lack of early warnings, saying: “If this was known about why there were no warnings, if I had known I wouldn’t have let her go to Canterbury that night.” The outbreak is described by experts as “unusual” and possibly linked to lower vaccination rates and a “new strain with different behaviours”.
Headmistress Amelia Milroy confirmed the tragic loss of a Year 13 student, Juliette, stating. She said: “We are all devastated. Our love and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this terribly sad time.”
Students at the University of Kent have been queuing for antibiotics, with many expressing fear and uncertainty about the situation. The UK Health Security Agency has issued guidance and antibiotics to close contacts, and the university has moved some exams online as a precaution. Vaccination rates among students remain a concern, with only about 73% coverage, leaving many still vulnerable.
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