Tribute to Lewis Waters
Lewis Waters, a student at Henley College in Oxfordshire, was among three cases reported in a meningitis outbreak in Berkshire, which also affected two school pupils in Reading. His father, Sean Waters, paid tribute to his son, describing him as "funny, sociable, kind-hearted".
In a social media post, Sean Waters expressed the family's grief:
"Words simply can’t describe the heartbreak and upset we’re going through."
He detailed Lewis's rapid health decline, stating that his son developed sepsis within hours of feeling ill.
"He fought hard and was really taken care of by the ICU team, but they just couldn’t save him,"
Sean Waters added,
"We are absolutely devastated."
He remembered Lewis as someone who deeply loved his sisters, friends, and family, emphasizing the impact of his loss:
"Life won’t be the same for many of us now that he’s gone."
Outbreak and Response
On Friday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the outbreak involved Reading Blue Coat School and Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre. Close contacts of the cases have been offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
Henley College issued a statement expressing condolences and support:
"Our 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 UK Health Security Agency."
Reading Blue Coat School headmaster Pete Thomas also commented on the situation:
"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."
Health Information and Vaccination
The UKHSA confirmed that tests indicate the infection is not related to the meningitis B variant linked to a previous outbreak in Kent in March, which resulted in two deaths and prompted thousands to receive the MenB vaccine or antibiotics.
Meningitis symptoms include 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 part of the NHS childhood vaccination program since 2015, meaning those born before then may not be protected.
Freddie Van Mierlo, Liberal Democrat MP for Henley and Thame, has urged the government to consider a broader catch-up vaccination program.
