The father of a young person who died after contracting meningitis has paid an emotional tribute to his “humorous, sociable and kind-hearted” son, describing how the 17-year-old developed sepsis inside hours of first feeling unwell.Lewis Waters, a sixth-form scholar at The Henley School, died earlier this week after being rushed to intensive care.In a heartbreaking message shared on social media, his father Sean Waters stated the household was struggling to return to phrases with the sudden loss.
‘Phrases can’t describe the heartbreak’
“Inside a number of hours of feeling a bit in poor health he developed sepsis and was taken from us,” Sean wrote on Fb. “He fought laborious and was actually taken care of by the ICU staff however they only couldn’t save him.”
‘We’re completely devastated’
Describing Lewis as a much-loved teenager with a vibrant persona, his father stated he was “humorous, sociable, kind-hearted” and deeply dedicated to his household and mates.“He additionally beloved his sisters, family and friends dearly,” he added. “Life received’t be the identical for many people now that he’s gone.”
Two extra college students being handled
The tragedy comes as two different younger individuals in Berkshire are additionally being handled for meningitis. The scholars attend Studying Blue Coat Faculty and Highdown Secondary Faculty and Sixth Type Centre.The UK Well being Safety Company stated it had recognized a social connection linking all three circumstances and confirmed that shut contacts have been provided antibiotics as a precautionary measure.Officers stated one case has been confirmed as meningitis B, whereas additional testing is being carried out on the remaining circumstances.
Faculties challenge messages of help
In an announcement, The Henley School stated its “ideas and honest condolences are with the coed’s household and mates at this extraordinarily tough time”.In the meantime, Studying Blue Coat headmaster Pete Thomas described it as “a regarding time for households and the broader group”.“We’re deeply saddened by the information of the demise of a scholar at one other native faculty,” he stated.Highdown Faculty additionally confirmed it had shared steering with dad and mom and college students concerning the signs of meningitis.
Signs dad and mom ought to look ahead to
Medical doctors are urging households to stay alert, warning that meningitis can turn into life-threatening in a short time.Frequent signs embody:
- Excessive fever
- Extreme headache
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to gentle
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Chilly fingers and toes
- Muscle pain
- A rash that doesn’t fade below strain utilizing the “glass check”
Calls develop for wider vaccination rollout
The incident has reignited considerations round meningitis B amongst younger adults, significantly those that had been too previous to obtain the routine MenB vaccine launched for infants in 2015.Freddie van Mierlo, the Liberal Democrat MP for Henley and Thame, has urged the Authorities to contemplate a wider catch-up vaccination programme for youngsters and university-age college students.Well being officers burdened that the present circumstances will not be linked to the meningitis B outbreak in Kent earlier this 12 months that resulted in two deaths.
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