A second-year law student in Canterbury, Kent, suffered a severe meningitis B infection that left her unable to see, move, or speak following a night out at a nightclub linked to a deadly outbreak.
The Sudden Onset
Annabelle Mackay, 21, celebrated her birthday at Club Chemistry on March 4, staying until 3 a.m. the next day. She later spent time at another venue called Venue, where she shared drinks. Symptoms began on March 10 with neck stiffness, light sensitivity, and a high fever. The next day, March 11, she called the NHS 111 helpline.
After a 16-minute assessment, advisors instructed her to remain at home and drink water. However, less than 30 minutes later, her mother, Laura May, 57, spoke with Annabelle’s housemates over the phone and urged them to seek immediate medical help. They rushed her to an urgent care center, where doctors confirmed meningitis B—the same strain behind the local outbreak.
Annabelle Mackay stated, “I’d be dead if it wasn’t for my mum and housemates. I am so grateful for how quickly they acted and for not taking advice from the NHS 111 helpline. My body had started to shut down by the time they carried me out of our door half an hour later.”
During the ordeal, she experienced complete loss of vision, mobility, and speech. Her sight began returning after two days, and she now awaits further assessments.
The Wider Outbreak
The infection has affected 15 people in Canterbury, including two fatalities—one a University of Kent student—and a nine-month-old baby girl in intensive care. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) traces all visitors to Club Chemistry on March 5, 6, or 7, offering antibiotics as a precaution.
One nightclub staff member has received treatment for meningitis, according to the venue’s owner. The UKHSA contacted Annabelle on March 13 to identify her contacts post-diagnosis. She expressed confusion over reports of no new cases on March 14.
Annabelle added, “We were only in Chemistry for about half an hour then went to a club called Venue. I shared drinks there and was there all night so I might have caught it there.”
Venue Owner’s Statement
Louise Jones-Roberts, owner of Club Chemistry, expressed devastation: “I’m devastated for the families affected. It’s so incredibly sad. I just really hope people know the symptoms and no more lives are lost.”
