Family of teen who died from meningitis outbreak issue desperate plea as they explain her first symptoms
The family of a teenager who tragically died from the meningitis outbreak have issued a desperate plea while explaining her first symptoms.
Juliette Kenny, an 18-year-old sixth-form student, was one of the two teenagers who have sadly passed away after contracting the infection, which has spread around Kent and London in the past week.
A further 13 cases have since been confirmed, including another university student who was left hospitalised after sharing a vape in a nightclub.
For Juliette, though, everything was extremely sudden and heartbreaking, as just one day after the 'fit and healthy' teen completed her PE A-level assessment at school, she died in hospital.
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Her father, Michael Kenny, explained to The Daily Mail that she'd started showing symptoms of the condition when she started vomiting in the early hours of Friday (13 March), with all the colour draining from her face as they rushed her to the hospital.
He said: "Juliette fought bravely for hours, but despite the fantastic NHS hospital staff fighting alongside her, meningitis took her from us less than 12 hours later.
"We were with her at the end, and the last sounds that she heard were the voices of those who loved her telling her how very much loved and cherished she is."
Like many others who have contracted the infection, Juliette hadn't received the MenB vaccine, which was first rolled out in 2015, leaving many Brits only protected against A, C, W and Y strains with their jabs at school.
As thousands of students in Kent queue up for antibiotics and vaccinations, Juliette's parents are issuing a plea to the UK government and the NHS to make it more readily available.
Mr Kenny said: "No family should experience this pain and tragedy. This can be avoided. There are young people currently battling this and young people still at risk.
"As parents, we knew our children would change the world and be a force for good. The work to protect young people has started. It needs to be more.
"Juliette's impact on this world must be lasting change. Now is the time to ensure families are safe from the impact of meningitis B."
He also paid tribute to his daughter's 'beautifully positive energy', as the family struggles to comprehend the tragedy of losing her when she was so young and healthy.
He concluded: "We are incredibly proud parents to two wonderful daughters. Juliette is a force in this world. With her beautifully positive energy, she spread fun, love and happiness to those around her, and she continues to do so now.
"The devastation of her loss to us, her family and friends is immeasurable.
"Sharing stories of the empathy, warmth and fun that she created is helping her family and friends through at this time. Her energy continues to make the people who love her find a way."
A timeline of the Kent meningitis outbreak
Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 March
The outbreak has been linked to Canterbury nightclub Club Chemistry. The club has closed voluntarily until further notice.
Friday 13 March
The first case of meningitis, a University of Kent student, is reported to the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA).
Saturday 14 March
A second case is identified in France, this time, someone who attended the University of Kent. Back in the UK, hospitals report a number of young people presenting with meningitis symptoms. Contact tracing begins.
Sunday 16 March
It is confirmed that two people have died after being infected with meningitis - one a student at the University of Kent and the other a sixth former in year 13. A public health alert is issued. The total number of cases is 13.
Monday 17 March
Health Secretary Wes Streeting addresses parliament, calling the meningitis outbreak 'unprecedented'.
He announces a targeted vaccination programme for students living in halls at the University of Kent. Preventative antibiotics are issued to University of Kent students; those who attended Club Chemistry between 5 and 7 March; and close contacts of people who have fallen ill.
The total number of cases is 15.
Wednesday 18 March
In the latest update from UKHSA, the total number of cases is 20.
Thursday 19 March
The total number of cases rises to 27.
James Moorhouse