Meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury area
Extra help now available
More emergency antibiotics are available for people who attended a Canterbury venue earlier this month. Antibiotic tablets are offered to people who do not have symptoms, as a precautionary measure.
People who visited Club Chemistry on March 5, 6 and 7 are eligible for free medication at four temporary clinics.
People who live on the University of Kent campus at Canterbury are also eligible.
No booking is needed and you do not need to bring ID, but bring your NHS number, if you have it. A bottle of water is recommended.
16,000 students in the Canterbury area have already been contacted by the UK Health Security Agency and where needed have been offered antibiotics on the University of Kent campus.
Antibiotic clinic details
Senate Building, University of Kent, CT2 7NZ
Open until 8pm tonight, last patient at 7.30pm and tomorrow from 9am to 8pm.
Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG
Open today until 8pm (last patient at 7.30pm and tomorrow from 8.30am).
Thanet Community Health Hub, Northwood Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA
Open tonight from 5 to 7pm and Tuesday, 17 March from 8.30am to 8pm (last patient 7.30pm)
Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT
From Tuesday, 17 March from 8.30am to 7.30pm
Who is eligible for precautionary antibiotics?
- all students and staff living on campus at University of Kent
- close household contacts of cases who have been identified by UKHSA or who self-identify as having contact with a confirmed case
- Club Chemistry staff
- Club Chemistry attendees 5-7 March.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
- symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include:
- a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- sudden onset of high fever
- severe and worsening headache
- stiff neck
- vomiting and diarrhoea
- joint and muscle pain
- dislike of bright lights
- very cold hands and feet
- seizures
- confusion or delirium
- extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking.
If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.
Updated: 16 March, 5pm
Advice for patients
We recognise the tragic circumstances of the current meningitis outbreak in Canterbury.
We are working with the UKHSA and local trusts to ensure hospital staff and GPs are aware and to be vigilant for possible cases in any patients.
To keep yourself and others safe please read the frequently asked questions below.
If you are feeling unwell and unsure or worried please call NHS 111 for advice.
If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.
Further information is available at the Kent and Medway ICM website Meningitis information | ICS
Find out the latest on the UKHSA website.
