The father of a college student who died after contracting meningitis has paid tribute to his 'funny, sociable, kind-hearted' son. Lewis Waters, a sixth-form pupil at Henley College in Oxfordshire, passed away earlier this week. He was one of three cases reported in the meningitis outbreak in Berkshire, which also includes two school pupils in Reading.
Family's Heartbreak
In a social media post, his father, Sean Waters, wrote: 'Words simply can't describe the heartbreak and upset we're going through.' He explained that Lewis developed sepsis 'within a few hours of feeling ill.' Despite the efforts of the ICU team, they could not save him. 'We are absolutely devastated,' he added. Sean described his son as 'funny, sociable and kind-hearted,' who 'loved his sisters, friends and family dearly.' He concluded: 'Life won't be the same for many of us now that he's gone.'
Other Cases and Response
On Friday, it emerged that the other two patients being treated for meningitis are pupils at separate schools in the area: Reading Blue Coat School and Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that close contacts have been offered antibiotics as a precaution.
Henley College released a statement expressing their 'thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student's family and friends at this extremely difficult time.' They added: 'We are supporting those affected within our college community and are following the advice and guidance given by the UK Health Security Agency.'
Pete Thomas, headmaster of Reading Blue Coat School, said the school has been working closely with UKHSA. '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.'
Meningitis Variant and Vaccination
The UKHSA also confirmed that tests show the infection is not the same variant of meningitis B linked to an outbreak in Kent in March, which led to two deaths and resulted in thousands being given the MenB jab or antibiotics to curb the spread. Meningitis symptoms can include a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, drowsiness, cold hands and feet, severe muscle pain, and a rash that does not fade under pressure.
The MenB vaccine has been offered routinely to babies as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme since 2015. Anyone born before then will not be protected. Freddie Van Mierlo, Liberal Democrat MP for Henley and Thame, has called on the government to explore the possibility of a wider catch-up vaccination programme.
