Meningitis Outbreak Prompts Student Exodus from Canterbury

Canterbury, UK – A meningitis outbreak has led to a significant number of students leaving the city early for the Easter holiday, creating an eerie quiet in normally bustling student hangouts. The outbreak has prompted precautionary antibiotic distribution and raised concerns about potential further spread as students travel home.

Meningitis Scare and Student Response

The outbreak, linked to the Club Chemistry venue, has resulted in the distribution of 11,000 doses of antibiotics across four sites in Canterbury, including Westgate Hall, the Gate Clinic at Kent and Canterbury hospital, the Thanet Community Health Hub, and the University of Kent’s Senate building The Guardian. Students have been queuing for masks and antibiotics, and many have opted to return home early, particularly with in-person assessments cancelled and exams moved online.

Impact on Local Businesses

Local businesses are feeling the impact of the student departure. Ash Bolonghe, manager of The Cricketers pub, noted the unusually quiet atmosphere on St. Patrick’s Day, stating, “Normally, as soon as the doors open on St Patrick’s Day, we’re full,” but “not today.” The Guardian. Other bars and live music venues have also reported being unusually empty, with staff focusing on increased cleaning measures.

University Response and Vaccination Efforts

The University of Kent, where one of the two individuals who died was a student, appears quiet, with smaller queues forming on Tuesday compared to Monday for antibiotics. Students residing in university halls of residence are being offered the meningitis B vaccine, as announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting The Guardian.

Concerns About Spread and Public Sentiment

The early departure of students, many using public transport, has raised concerns about the potential for the outbreak to spread further. One University of Kent student, 24, described the situation as “like Covid II,” noting that while panic levels are lower due to previous experiences with the pandemic and the availability of online exams, “nobody is going out. It’s really, really quiet.” The Guardian. Some parents in Canterbury have expressed concerns on social media about whether to withdraw their children from school, and there have been calls for extending the vaccination program beyond student halls.

Antibiotic Access and Public Response

Pop-up clinics, such as the one at Westgate Hall, are offering antibiotics to anyone concerned about potential infection. Stephen, 24, sought antibiotics after attending Club Chemistry during the dates linked to the outbreak (March 5, 6, and 7) and expressed concern about the potential for delayed information, stating he would not have revisited the club had he been warned earlier The Guardian. Roland Cobbett, 66, a researcher, also sought antibiotics as a precaution after using the University of Kent library and cafe.

Pauline, 72, a retired tech analyst, noted that while footfall in the town was quieter than usual, she didn’t consider the situation as alarming as the COVID-19 pandemic, adding, “Everybody knows that all the kids congregate at Chemistry.” The Guardian