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Penny LockettBritish schoolgirl, 17, dies of meningococcal meningitis type W
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- A Tragedy: 17-Year-Old Schoolgirl Dies from Meningococcal Meningitis
- Misdiagnosis and Missed Warnings
- A Desperate Battle
- A Mother's Mission
- Penny's Last Day
- Symptoms of Confusion
- A Rapid Deterioration
- Paramedics Arriving
- Diagnosis in Hospital
- Meningococcal Meningitis
- Public Health Warning
- Importance of Vaccination
- Data on Meningococcal Cases
- Urgency of Seeking Medical Help
A Tragedy: 17-Year-Old Schoolgirl Dies from Meningococcal Meningitis
Penny, a 17-year-old schoolgirl from Halifax, was sent home from school due to feeling unwell. Her initial symptoms of nausea and diarrhea worsened, and by the next day, she had tragically died from a deadly strain of meningitis.
Misdiagnosis and Missed Warnings
Penny's mother, Kim, initially dismissed the possibility of meningitis as she did not see the characteristic red or purple rash associated with the infection. When she called the family doctor, she was reassured that she was doing the right thing based on Penny's symptoms. However, as Penny's condition rapidly deteriorated, she was rushed to the hospital.
A Desperate Battle
Hospital staff fought to save Penny's life, using a heart-lung machine, but they were unable to stop the attack of 'Men W', a deadly strain of meningitis.
A Mother's Mission
Determined to prevent others from experiencing the same heartbreak, Kim spoke out publicly about the reality of meningitis. She urged young people to get vaccinated, emphasizing that the MenACWY vaccine could have saved Penny's life.
Penny's Last Day
On Thursday, October 2015, Penny texted her mother that she was being sent home from school. When Kim returned from work, she found Penny suffering from diarrhea and nausea, accompanied by a fever. Penny took paracetamol, but it was difficult to tell if it helped because of her continued vomiting.
Symptoms of Confusion
As Penny's vomiting episodes persisted and her fever returned, Kim considered the possibility of meningitis but dismissed it again when she did not find the purple rash. Concerned, she called the family doctor the next morning for guidance.
A Rapid Deterioration
After a short afternoon nap, Penny vomited. She then took a bath and seemed to experience some relief. However, upon exiting the bathroom, she suddenly collapsed on the floor.
Paramedics Arriving
Kim called an ambulance, who arrived within 10 minutes. The paramedics asked extensive questions, including about Penny's food intake, to rule out an allergic reaction.
Diagnosis in Hospital
At the hospital, Penny's skin was noted to be blue. Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, was suspected. Kim and her husband, Chris, experienced a brief moment of hope when they first saw Penny after she was admitted to the hospital. However, it was with heavy hearts that they were informed that their daughter's condition was not improving and that they should begin reaching out to close family members.
Meningococcal Meningitis
The Locketts later learned that Penny had died from meningococcal meningitis type W. They now work with the Meningitis Research Foundation to raise awareness about the disease.
Public Health Warning
Public Health England is urging university students to get vaccinated to protect themselves against meningitis before starting university. Young people are being warned about a sharp rise in cases of the disease in university towns and cities, particularly the highly virulent Men W strain.
Importance of Vaccination
Sixth-formers and first-year undergraduates are being encouraged to take up the MenACWY vaccine, which became available under the national immunization program in 2015. School leavers and freshers are considered to be at the greatest risk of infection as they mix with large numbers of new people, some of whom may carry the meningococcal bacteria, which usually live at the back of the nose and throat.
Data on Meningococcal Cases
Official figures show that in 2009-10, there were just 22 cases of Men W, but this had risen to 210 by 2015-16. It has been noted that several people with the Men W strain presented initially with gastrointestinal symptoms but, like Penny, did not develop the characteristic rash.
Urgency of Seeking Medical Help
Meningitis is a medical emergency, and it can be fatal or lead to serious, life-changing complications such as limb amputation and blindness.
