A teenager has died within hours of falling ill in a meningitis outbreak that has affected three young people in Oxfordshire and Reading. Lewis Waters, a student at Henley College, was described by his father as a 'kind-hearted' and 'funny' young man who loved his family dearly.
Tribute from Heartbroken Father
Sean Waters, Lewis's father, shared his grief on social media, saying: 'Words simply can't describe the heartbreak and upset we're going through.' He explained that his son's condition developed into sepsis 'within a few hours of feeling ill.' Despite the best efforts of the ICU team, they could not save him. 'We are absolutely devastated,' he added.
Outbreak Details
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed three cases linked to the outbreak. Besides Lewis, a pupil at Reading Blue Coat School and another at Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre have also been infected. All close contacts have been given antibiotics as a precaution.
School Statements
Henley College expressed its condolences and stated it is supporting affected students. Reading Blue Coat School headmaster Pete Thomas said they are working closely with UKHSA and expressed sadness over the death of a student at another school.
Vaccination Considerations
Following these infections, UKHSA is considering whether more teenagers should be vaccinated against meningitis. Vaccine coverage for meningitis B among young people fell sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic. The current outbreak involves a different strain from a previous menB outbreak in Kent in March that left two young people dead.
Meningitis Symptoms
Meningitis is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which inflames the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet, aches, rapid breathing, and a purple rash. Caroline Hughes of the Meningitis Research Foundation warned that early symptoms can be mistaken for a hangover or flu but can become life-threatening within hours. The infection can spread through sneezing, coughing, or sharing utensils.
