The family of a young woman, aged 18, who tragically lost her life due to meningitis, has disclosed the symptoms she exhibited just before her passing. Juliette Kenny, a sixth form student, succumbed to meningitis B during an outbreak in Kent, becoming one of the two fatalities in the UKHSA’s investigation of 29 cases linked to Canterbury, Kent. She sadly passed away a mere 12 hours after the onset of symptoms of the fatal infection.
Her father, Michael Kenny, shared that Juliette began vomiting and displayed a change in cheek color in the early hours of Friday. At that time, the Year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham did not show any other symptoms, as per her father.
Prior to falling ill, Juliette had been described as “fit, healthy, and robust” by her father, who mentioned that she had completed her PE A-level practical assessment on Thursday, March 12.
Upon noticing her symptoms, the family promptly sought medical assistance for Juliette. Mr. Kenny recounted, “In the morning on Friday, she was taken by us to our local emergency drop-in as a discoloration appeared on her cheeks. She was given antibiotics and then taken by ambulance to A&E.”
Despite the valiant efforts of the NHS hospital staff, meningitis claimed Juliette’s life less than 12 hours later. Her family was by her side during her final moments, showering her with love and affection.
In a poignant statement, Mr. Kenny expressed, “We are immensely proud parents of two exceptional daughters. Juliette was a shining light in this world, spreading joy, love, and happiness with her infectious positive energy. The loss of her is indescribable to us, her family, and friends.”
He emphasized the need for improved protection against meningitis B for young individuals, urging the government to enhance access to the menB vaccination. Mr. Kenny stressed that no family should endure such anguish and advocated for lasting changes to safeguard families from the impact of meningitis B.
Vinny Smith, the chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, highlighted that the charity had called for the routine availability of the menB vaccination on the NHS for all at-risk age groups in 2015, but this proposal was not pursued due to cost-effectiveness concerns.