In light of the terrifying outbreak of meningitis, several nightclubs in the ‘Ground Zero’ city of Canterbury have taken extreme measures, with some even shutting down.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced on Tuesday (March 17) that the country is facing an “unprecedented” outbreak of the disease. Two people have died; a 21-year-old man and an 18-year-old high school student.
Streeting further said the majority of cases are believed to be linked to the Club Chemistry nightclub – which is frequented by students from Canterbury – “between March 5 and 7”.
Club Chemistry has since announced on its official social media platforms that it will remain closed “for the rest of this week”, clarifying that the club had not been “directed to do so” but prioritised the “wellbeing” of the community. The business also went on to share NHS advices and eligibility for antibiotics.
Indie Rock Night advised all partygoers who attended their parties “on March 5 or another event at Club Chemistry that week to go and get antibiotics from any of the listed places”. The Tap N Tin Medway Nightclub posted on Instagram that it had “decided that for the safety of our customers and staff we will be closed”.
The club also “strongly” encouraged “anyone who has attended any events or been to Canterbury over the weekend to keep mindful of their health” and “attend the senates provided in Canterbury to receive antibiotics if needed”. Tokyo Tea Rooms followed suit and also shared health notices on social media.
This is an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis. Much rarer than viral meningitis, bacterial forms like this can be fatal if not treated promptly. Even with treatment, they can lead to high mortality and a significant risk of long-term health problems.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining that surrounds your brain and spinal cord (the meninges). Any type of harmful microbe, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, can invade the meninges and cause an infection.
The current outbreak at the University of Kent is caused by bacteria. This can be very dangerous since the meninges function as a protective layer around your brain. When it becomes damaged, your brain and spinal cord become at risk too.
What is invasive meningococcal disease, and why is it so dangerous?
The bacteria that cause meningitis are called Neisseria meningitidis, and the disease can quickly spread from person to person if they have close contact. The bacteria invade blood vessels in the meninges, damaging them, and this causes immune cells to enter the meninges and produce molecules that trigger inflammation.
When the meninges become inflamed like this, the brain can stop functioning properly, leading to serious illness and brain damage.
What are the symptoms, and how to tell between meningitis, flu or hangover
Meningitis can look different in different people. Symptoms typically include a high fever (but with cold hands and feet), vomiting, headache, joint pain, a stiff neck and feeling unusually sleepy. Some people may become confused or distressed by bright lights and sounds.
Some people may also develop a rash that won’t disappear when you press a glass against it. Babies may develop an unusual cry.
If you suspect you have meningitis, particularly if your symptoms are not typical when compared to previous hangovers or flu-like illnesses, then go to your nearest hospital or call for help. It’s better to get checked out than wait and see, as meningitis tends to progress very quickly.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can get meningitis, but the risk is higher for very young babies and older people. Immune-compromised people – such as those undergoing chemotherapy – are also at higher risk for the infections that can cause meningitis. Outbreaks in younger adult populations, like we are seeing at the University of Kent, tend to happen because of the increased exposure and spread of the bacteria that can cause meningitis.
How does the infection spread?
The bacteria that cause meningitis can spread by close contact, such as kissing and sharing drinks, or through coughing and sneezing. Large events that bring lots of people together can therefore be associated with outbreaks of meningitis, because of the increased likelihood that people become exposed to the bacteria.
This is one of the reasons why university students can be at increased risk for meningitis, because there is a lot of social mixing in this group.
What should I do if I think I or someone I know has meningitis?
Meningitis symptoms typically come on rapidly. If you suspect meningitis, act quickly. The faster that antibiotic treatment is started, the better.
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