Student Collapses with Meningitis B After Night Out: ‘I Blacked Out’

A 21-year-old student is recovering after contracting meningitis B, mistaking initial symptoms for the flu or COVID-19, as a recent outbreak linked to a Canterbury nightclub continues to raise concerns.

Keeleigh Goodwin, a McDonald’s employee from Herne Bay, began experiencing body aches and fever on March 13th, initially attributing her illness to a muscle strain from work. “On Friday (March 13) I just sort of woke up and I was quite achy all over my body – around my arms, my shoulders and my legs,” Goodwin told KentLive. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, progressing to intense pain, sickness, and losing consciousness in her bathroom.

Goodwin was rushed to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford after her flatmate found her unconscious. Doctors confirmed a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis following a lumbar puncture. “The next day I found out I had a seizure from it [meningitis]. I was tested and treated…the results came back confirming bacterial meningitis,” she said.

The outbreak, which has affected a number of individuals, has been epidemiologically linked to Club Chemistry in Canterbury, according to a report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). As of March 23rd, 20 laboratory-confirmed cases had been identified, with three cases still under investigation, bringing the total to 23. Tragically, two people have died after contracting the illness, including a Year 13 student in Faversham and a student at the University of Kent.

Goodwin shared that she had visited Club Chemistry on March 12th, but of her two friends who were also present, she was the only one to become ill. Initial speculation centered on the sharing of a vape, but Goodwin believes the crowded conditions within the club were more likely the source of infection. “I don’t think it’s from that, because my friend, with whom I shared the vape, has been fine,” she stated. “I can only assume that you’re in a club, it’s crowded with people coughing, sneezing – it could have been anything. It could have been touching something that someone touched who’s infected, like a surface. I think they’ve been quick to blame the vape.”

While grateful to be home with her mother in Herne Bay after being discharged from hospital on March 21st, Goodwin expressed apprehension about returning to normal life. “I’m a bit scared about going to work because I work in hospitality and I serve people all day,” she said. She is awaiting vaccination but faces potential delays due to high demand. “At the moment, my body – I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it because I’m struggling to just walk and stand at home. My legs are still in a lot of pain.” She added, “I am apprehensive about getting back out into the world.”

Goodwin has reported increased sensitivity to sounds, but has not yet been informed of any follow-up medical checks. Her mother, Khali Goodwin, expressed relief at her daughter’s return home, but remains anxious about the ordeal. “It’s a massive relief, I feel I can finally relax a bit now knowing she’s home and safe. I am still feeling anxious of what happened and how it did but I guess it’s still pretty fresh and raw,” she told KentLive. “I’m extremely grateful for everyone’s support. The next step is to acquire Keeleigh vaccinated as soon as possible.”