The dad of a ‘kind-hearted’ teen paid tribute to his son who died within a few hours of feeling ill after a meningitis infection.
Lewis Waters, a student at Henley College in Oxfordshire, was one of three cases linked to the latest outbreak of the deadly illness, which is notorious for progressing quickly.
Two cases have also been reported in Reading affecting a pupil at the Blue Coat School, and the other goes to Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre, the UK infection watchdog said.
Lewis’s heartbroken dad, Sean Waters, posted on social media today: ‘Words simply can’t describe the heartbreak and upset we’re going through.
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Mr Waters said Lewis’s condition developed into sepsis ‘within a few hours of feeling ill.’
He continued: ‘He fought hard and was really taken care of by the ICU team, but they just couldn’t save him.
‘We are absolutely devastated.’
Lewis was ‘funny, sociable and kind-hearted,’ and he ‘loved his sisters, friends and family dearly,’ the dad said.
‘Life won’t be the same for many of us now that he’s gone.’
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said all the close contacts of affected pupils have been given antibiotics as a precaution.
Statements from the schools
A statement from Henley College said its ‘thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.’
‘We are supporting those affected within our college community and are following the advice and guidance given by the UK Health Security Agency,’ it said.
Reading Blue Coat School headmaster Pete Thomas said it has been working closely with UKHSA.
He said: ‘We recognise that this is a concerning time for families and the wider community.
‘We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of a student at another local school, and our thoughts are with their family, as well as with all those affected during this difficult time.’
Following the latest infections, the UKHSA has said it is considering whether more teenagers should be vaccinated against meningitis.
In March, an outbreak of menB left two young people dead, and put the illness into the spotlight as thousands of people queued for antibiotics while pharmacy supplies ran out.
However, the health watchdog said the latest infection is not the same strain of men B linked to the Kent outbreak.
Vaccine coverage for young people against meningitis B fell sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic.
What are meningitis symptoms?
The illness is caused by infection with a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis, which inflames the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and it can develop rapidly.
While it is common among babies, young children, teens and young adults, it can infect anyone of any age, Caroline Hughes, support services manager at Meningitis Research Foundation, told Metro.
Symptoms include fever and chills, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, aches and pains, rapid breathing and, over time, a purple rash.
‘In the early stages it can be mistaken for a hangover, freshers’ flu or other mild illnesses, but it can become life-threatening within hours,’ Hughes said.
Symptoms can intensify in only a few hours – the bacteria can invade the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that causes clammy skin, pain and chills.
As a bacterial infection, meningitis can be spread through sneezing, coughing or sharing utensils.
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