Annabelle Mackay fell ill after celebrating her 21st birthday at the nightclub at the centre of the deadly outbreak. When she was later discovered collapsed at her house share in Canterbury, Kent, the law student was rushed to an urgent care centre.
Speaking last night, Annabelle said: « 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. »
Doctors at hospital confirmed the young woman had meningitis B, the strain which has triggered the recent outbreak across Canterbury and suspected to be elsewhere. So far, two people have died, including a student at the University of Kent.
Annabelle is one of 15 people struck down by the bug, including the two who have passed away and a nine-month-old baby girl who is in intensive care. Annabelle, a second-year law student, said she could not « see, move or speak » amid her ordeal
The young woman told the Sun she had partied at Club Chemistry in Canterbury on March 4 until 3am on the 5th. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is tracing everyone who visited Club Chemistry on March 5, 6 or 7 to give them antibiotics.
A nightclub staff member has received treatment for meningitis, the business owner said. Annabelle began feeling unwell last Tuesday, March 10, and her condition worsened until she contacted 111 on the 11th with symptoms of neck stiffness, light sensitivity, and a high fever.
It’s reported that after a 16-minute assessment call just past 3pm, she was advised to stay at home.
However, less than half an hour later, her mother Laura May, 57, spoke over the phone and implored her housemates to seek help. Annabelle continued: « When the 111 woman told me to stay home, I was like, ‘Are you sure?’ But she told me to stay put and drink water. I called Mum and she knew straightaway something was very wrong with me. »
After two days, Annabelle’s sight began to improve. She is currently awaiting further assessments.
She 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. »
The UKHSA got in touch with her on March 13 to inquire who she had been in contact with following her diagnosis. She expressed confusion as to why the UKHSA has stated no cases were reported on March 14.
Louise Jones-Roberts, the proprietor of Club Chemistry, commented: « 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. »
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