UKHSA SHARES KEY MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS AS YOUNG PERSON DIES IN READING

A health body has highlighted key signs of a potentially fatal illness after the recent death of one person. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a young person has died of meningococcal infection ( meningitis ) in Reading.

Two other people are also ill and are receiving “appropriate treatment”. Meningitis is an infection affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

Although it can affect anyone, it's most prevalent among babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Without swift treatment, meningitis can prove extremely serious.

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It can trigger life-threatening sepsis and lead to permanent damage to the brain or nerves. In response to this latest incident, Doctor Rachel Mearkle, consultant in health protection at the UKHSA, said: “We understand that many people will be affected by this sad news and would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of this student.

“Students and staff will naturally be feeling worried about the likelihood of further cases, however meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread and large outbreaks as we saw in Kent recently, are thankfully rare.

“We are working closely with partners and have provided public health advice and precautionary antibiotic treatment to close contacts of the cases. Meningococcal disease does not spread easily and the risk to the wider public remains low.”

She continued: “Anyone can get meningitis, and around 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England every year. It’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It needs to be treated quickly so it is important to know the signs and symptoms.

“They can appear in any order and may not all be present, so seek rapid medical attention if there is ever any concern.”

Symptoms

She also shared some potential symptoms of meningitis to look for. “Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and sepsis can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting and cold hands and feet,” Dr Mearkle said.

“Sepsis can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.”

Other common symptoms of meningitis include:

• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Confusion, delirium
• Severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
• Fits

If it progresses to sepsis it can also cause:

• Severe pains and aches in limbs and joints
• Pale or blotchy skin
• Rapid breathing
• Diarrhoea and stomach cramps
• Difficulty walking or standing

When to get medical help

You should call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E “immediately” if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. The NHS says: “Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

“Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. If you've had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.”

Vaccines

The UKHSA added that young people should check that they are up to date with their vaccinations, including the MenACWY vaccine, which is offered in school years 9 and 10 but remains free on the NHS until the age of 25, although it does not protect against all strains.

More information on vaccines can be found on the NHS website, here.

2026-05-15T12:14:01Z