Club Reopens After Meningitis Outbreak

0:00On March 31st, Club Chemistry, the nightclub in Canivari at the heart of that deadly meningitis outbreak in Kent, is set to reopen this Thursday. Just 18 days after shutting down, the spot linked to the deaths of a 21-year-old university of Kent student and 19-year-old Julia Kinney, plus 18 others, hospitalized. Earlier this week, the club dropped a statement on social media laying out safety steps for party folks. They're pushing no kissing, no sharing vapes, drinks, or lipsticks, and if you're eligible, get that Min-B vaccine. Owner Louise Jones Roberts says they've done two deep cleans, passed health inspections, and rode out a track and trace system like during COVID. Folks who got hit are speaking out, too. Take 19-year-old economic student Alex Rosas. He spent four days in hospital blaming a kiss from his night out there on March 13th. His friends dragged him to the ER when his throat went south, fever spiked, and his neck stiffened up bad. No new cases since March 20th, which is huge after fears that it spread wider.

1:04But background checks show East Kent hospitals delayed alerting health officials by two days on that first case from March 11th, even though docs. Got to report suspicions right away. UK health folks say quicker action could have gotten antibiotics to contact sooner. So as the club fires back up, the big takeaway is stay vigilant, skip close contact if you're under the weather, and keep an eye on those around you, too. Dodge any repeat drama.