The father of a college student who died after contracting meningitis has paid tribute to his “funny, sociable, kind-hearted” son.
Lewis Waters, who attended Henley college in Oxfordshire, was one of three cases reported in the outbreak in Berkshire, which also includes two school pupils in Reading.
In a social media post, his father, Sean Waters, wrote: “Words simply can’t describe the heartbreak and upset we’re going through.”
He said Lewis developed sepsis “within a few hours of feeling ill”.
“He fought hard and was really taken care of by the ICU team, but they just couldn’t save him,” Waters wrote.
“We are absolutely devastated.”
He said his son was “funny, sociable and kind-hearted”, and “loved his sisters, friends and family dearly”.
“Life won’t be the same for many of us now that he’s gone.”
On Friday it emerged that the other two patients being treated for meningitis are pupils at separate schools in the area, Reading Blue Coat School and Highdown secondary school and sixth form centre.
The UK Health Security Agency said close contacts have been offered antibiotics as a precaution.
A statement from 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 UK Health Security Agency,” it added.
Pete Thomas, Reading Blue Coat school headmaster, said it has been working closely with UKHSA.
He said: “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.”
The UKHSA also confirmed that tests show the infection is not the same variant of meningitis B linked to an outbreak in Kent in March which led to the deaths of two people and resulted in thousands being given the menB jab or antibiotics to try to curb the spread.
Meningitis symptoms can include a 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 offered routinely to babies as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme since 2015. Anyone born before then will not be protected.
Freddie Van Mierlo, Liberal Democrat MP for Henley and Thame, has called on the government to explore the possibility of a “wider catchup vaccination programme”.
