Young Woman Survives Meningitis Twice After Initially Confusing Symptoms with Food Poisoning
Hannah Ewing, a 26-year-old woman, has shared her harrowing experience of contracting bacterial meningitis on two separate occasions, a battle that left her in a medically induced coma for eight days and resulted in permanent hearing loss. Her story emerges amid a concerning bacterial meningitis outbreak in Kent, which has already claimed lives, prompting her to issue a stark warning about recognizing the often-misinterpreted symptoms.
From Food Poisoning to Life-Threatening Delirium
In November 2024, Hannah began suffering from severe vomiting and diarrhoea, initially attributing it to a bad case of food poisoning. She remained bedridden for two days, unable to eat or drink, and even brought up bile. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated when she started exhibiting signs of delirium, speaking incoherently and acting erratically, which her fiancé Ryan witnessed with growing alarm.
Ryan contacted NHS 111, leading to an emergency ambulance dispatch. At the hospital, A&E doctors initially suspected drug-induced psychosis due to her aggressive and erratic behaviour. Despite this, Ryan and Hannah's mother insisted on further testing, which ultimately revealed the true diagnosis: pneumococcal meningitis, a severe form of bacterial meningitis.
Eight Days in a Coma and Long-Term Consequences
Hannah was immediately transferred to the ICU and placed in a medically induced coma for eight days. During this time, doctors performed a lumbar puncture to confirm the diagnosis. Upon waking, she faced immense challenges, including an inability to walk, control her limbs, or feed herself due to muscle deterioration from immobility.
She also experienced terrifying hallucinations, believing nurses were trying to harm her, which contributed to post-traumatic stress. Hannah spent a total of 18 days in hospital, emerging with complete hearing loss in her left ear and partial loss in her right, requiring a hearing aid. She underwent extensive physiotherapy to relearn how to walk, a process complicated by nerve damage from the lumbar puncture.
A Second Bout and Lupus Diagnosis
Just three months after discharge in March 2025, Hannah developed a rash and again began vomiting and speaking gibberish. Rushed back to A&E, she was diagnosed with a recurrence of meningitis, despite already being on antibiotics. Further investigation revealed the rash was due to lupus, an autoimmune condition, adding another layer to her health struggles.
The second lumbar puncture, which took 10 attempts due to her delirium, resulted in nerve damage, leaving her unable to walk and reliant on a wheelchair for six months. She continues to suffer from severe back pain and balance issues, impacting her daily life.
Warning Amid Kent Outbreak and Call for Awareness
Hannah expressed fear upon hearing about the bacterial meningitis outbreak in Kent, which has affected young people, including fatalities. She emphasized the importance of seeking medical help immediately if symptoms arise, noting that her condition escalated from presumed food poisoning to critical illness within 24 hours.
Caroline Hughes, support services manager for the Meningitis Research Foundation, highlighted the critical role of vaccines, such as the MenACWY vaccine available on the NHS, in protecting against common strains. However, she stressed that vaccines do not cover all strains, making it vital to recognize symptoms early, as they can mimic flu, Covid-19, or even a hangover.
Hannah has found support through the Meningitis Research Foundation, which assisted with audiology assessments and mental health resources. Her fiancé and brother-in-law are now fundraising for the charity by running the London Marathon, having raised £5,000 so far. Hannah's ordeal underscores the urgency of public awareness and prompt medical action in combating this deadly disease.
