Teenager's family 'heartbroken' by meningitis death

A teenage boy who died after contracting meningitis has been described as "funny and kind hearted" by his family.

Lewis Waters, a sixth-form pupil at The Henley College in Oxfordshire, died earlier this week.

Posting a tribute on Facebook, his family said they were "devastated" and "words simply can't describe the heartbreak and upset we're going through".

Two pupils, one from Reading Blue Coat School and another from Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre in Reading, are also being treated for meningitis, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.

Lewis' dad Sean wrote: "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 said the family were "absolutely devastated" and described Lewis as "funny, sociable, kind hearted".

"He also loved his sisters, friends and family dearly," he added.

The UKHSA announced on Thursday that it had identified a social network that connected Lewis and the other two young people.

Close contacts linked to all three are being offered antibiotics as a precaution.

A statement from The Henley College said its "thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student's family and friends at this extremely difficult time".

"We are supporting those affected within our college community and are following the advice and guidance given by the UKHSA," it added.

The UKHSA said one case had been confirmed as Meningitis B (MenB) and it was awaiting further tests on the other two.

It confirmed the case was not the same strain found in MenB outbreaks earlier this year.

The agency said the risk to the wider public was low.

Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre's head teacher Laura Mathews confirmed it too had shared information with students and parents about signs and symptoms of meningitis.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected," she added.

Pete Thomas, the headmaster of Reading Blue Coat School, said it was "a concerning time for families and the wider community."

He added: "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."

There are about 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease diagnosed in England every year.

It is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

Meningitis symptoms can develop suddenly and can include:

The UKHSA said young people should check they were up to date with vaccinations, including the MenACWY vaccine offered to pupils in Years 9 and 10.

It remains free on the NHS for people until the age of 25 but does not protect against all strains of meningitis.

The UKHSA said other strains, like MenB, can circulate among young people.