BBC
The family of a teenage boy who tragically passed away due to meningitis has described him as "funny and kind hearted."
Lewis Waters, a sixth-form student at The Henley College in Oxfordshire, died earlier this week.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook, his family expressed they were "devastated," stating that "words simply can’t describe the heartbreak and upset we're going through."
Two additional students, one from Reading Blue Coat School and another from Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre in Reading, are receiving treatment for meningitis, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Lewis' father Sean shared: "Within a few hours of feeling a bit ill, he developed sepsis and was taken from us. He fought hard and was really taken care of by the ICU team, but they just couldn't save him."
He characterized his son as "funny, sociable, and kind hearted," adding, "He also loved his sisters, friends, and family dearly."
On Thursday, the UKHSA notified the public that it had detected a social network connection among Lewis and the other two affected individuals.
As a precautionary measure, close contacts related to all three are being provided with antibiotics.
In a statement, The Henley College conveyed that their "thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student's family and friends at this extremely difficult time."
Furthermore, they stated, "We are supporting those affected within our college community and are following the advice and guidance given by the UKHSA."
The UKHSA confirmed one case to be Meningitis B (MenB) and is currently awaiting further test results on the other two cases, clarifying that the strain is not the same as that seen in MenB outbreaks earlier this year.
Earlier this year, two fatalities linked to MenB occurred in Kent, associated with a nightclub in Canterbury, and in April, three additional young individuals contracted meningitis in Dorset.
The agency emphasized that the risk to the wider public remains low.
Laura Mathews, the head teacher of Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre, confirmed that information regarding the signs and symptoms of meningitis had been disseminated to students and parents.
"Our thoughts are with all those affected," she stated.
Pete Thomas, the headmaster of Reading Blue Coat School, remarked that it was a "concerning time for families and the wider community," expressing sadness over Lewis' death and extending thoughts to his family and all individuals impacted during this difficult period.
In England, approximately 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed annually, predominantly affecting babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults.
Meningitis Symptoms
Meningitis symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:
- A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- Sudden onset of high fever
- Severe and worsening headache
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Joint and muscle pain
- Discomfort with bright lights
- Cold hands and feet
- Seizures
- Confusion or delirium
- Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
Vaccination Information
The UKHSA advises young individuals to ensure they are current with vaccinations, including the MenACWY vaccine, which is offered to students in Years 9 and 10.
This vaccine continues to be available at no cost through the NHS for individuals up to the age of 25; however, it does not provide protection against all meningitis strains.
The UKHSA also noted that other strains, such as MenB, can circulate among young people.
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