Meningitis outbreak: Pupil who died from disease named in heart-wrenching tribute | UK | News
Juliette was a pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham (Image: KENT CANLI)
A sixth-form pupil who died of meningitis following the outbreak that ravaged Kent was described as “incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent” by his headteacher. Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School headteacher Amelia McIlroy paid a touching tribute to the girl on Monday by naming her Year 13 pupil Juliette. He did not specify his surname.
The headteacher confirmed Juliette’s death “with great sadness” and said she was a “much loved and valued member of our school community”. Miss McIlroy added: “Juliette was a pupil at our school for seven years. She was incredibly kind, thoughtful and intelligent and loved our school.”
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“Juliette embraced everything the school had to offer with great enthusiasm and joy and her sense of humor and positivity was captivating.
“He was a truly caring and attentive listener and a true friend who listened to his colleagues and staff with warmth, respect and genuine interest.
“In short, she was a lovely girl, her beautiful smile, loving nature and sense of fun will be sorely missed. We are all completely devastated. Our love and thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.”
A student at the University of Kent also died following the outbreak that broke out on Sunday evening.
A spokesperson for the University of Kent said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a student from the University of Kent has died following a case of invasive meningitis. Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends and the wider university community at this extremely difficult time.”
“The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We are working closely with public health teams and communicating with staff and students to ensure they get the advice and support they need.”
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Many students queued for antibiotics at the University of Kent this morning (Image: Getty)
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said it was notified of 13 cases in the Canterbury region from Friday to Sunday and that the specific strain had not yet been identified.
On Monday morning, students at the University of Kent were seen queuing along the Senate building on campus to receive antibiotics.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA deputy regional director for the South East, said: “We understand that many people at the University and the wider community will be affected by this sad news and would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family involved.
“Students and staff will understandably be concerned about the risk of further cases arising, but we want to reassure them that those who have been in close contact with cases have been given antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
“Advice and support is being offered to the wider student community, local hospitals and NHS 111, and we are monitoring the situation closely. Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it is important that students and staff are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia, such as fever, headache, rapid breathing, lethargy, chills, vomiting and cold hands and feet.
“Septicemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not go away when the cup is pressed. Students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs of meningitis because these can be easily confused with other illnesses such as a bad cold, flu or even a hangover.”
“So if a friend goes to bed unwell, it’s vital that you check them regularly and if they have these symptoms or are worried about them, don’t hesitate to seek medical help by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111. This could save their life.”
