A nine-month-old baby from Kent is fighting for her life in hospital after contracting meningitis B, the same strain linked to an outbreak that has killed two young people. Nala-Rose Fletcher, from Folkestone, is being treated in intensive care at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Her parents said she will be left with lasting difficulties.
The outbreak, believed to have originated at Club Chemistry in Canterbury on March 5, 6 and 7, has resulted in 15 confirmed cases, including two deaths. Juliette, an 18-year-old A-level student from Faversham, and a University of Kent student have died. Thousands of people have been urged to get antibiotics.
Nala-Rose, who was vaccinated, became unwell on March 4, before the cluster emerged. Doctors confirmed she has meningitis B. Her parents told KentOnline: 'Nothing can truly prepare you for the pain and fear that comes with what we’ve been living through.'
Club Chemistry owner Louise Jones-Roberts said a staff member contracted meningitis but is recovering. She said more than 2,000 people visited the venue on the relevant dates. The club remains closed. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a targeted vaccination programme for students in halls at the University of Kent.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating the outbreak. Four cases have been confirmed as meningitis B. Most people born before 2015 are not routinely vaccinated against this strain. Health officials urge vigilance for symptoms, which include a stiff neck, high fever, and a rash that does not fade under pressure.
