Lewis Waters: Family 'heartbroken' over teen's meningitis death

Lewis Waters, a teenage student at The Henley College in Oxfordshire, has tragically passed away after contracting meningitis. His family described him as “funny and kind hearted,” expressing deep sorrow over their loss. In a Facebook tribute, they conveyed how devastated they were, stating, “words simply can’t describe the heartbreak and upset we’re going through.”

Lewis’s father, Sean, shared that his son developed sepsis within hours of feeling unwell and despite the intensive care team’s efforts, he could not be saved. Sean highlighted Lewis’s warm personality, mentioning how he was “funny, sociable, kind hearted,” and loved by his sisters, friends, and family. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that two other pupils from Reading—one from Reading Blue Coat School and another from Highdown Secondary School and Sixth Form Centre—are also receiving treatment for meningitis.

The UKHSA identified a social network linking Lewis and the other two affected students, and close contacts of all three are now being offered antibiotics as a precautionary measure. The Henley College expressed condolences and stated they are offering support within their community while adhering to UKHSA advice and guidance. Meanwhile, heads of the other schools involved have communicated with students and parents regarding meningitis symptoms, emphasizing their concern and support during this difficult period.

One confirmed case was identified as Meningitis B (MenB), with further testing ongoing for the other two. UKHSA clarified that the strain linked to these cases differs from the MenB outbreaks earlier in the year and assured that the risk to the wider public remains low. The agency reminded young people to ensure they are up to date with vaccinations, such as the MenACWY vaccine offered to pupils in Years 9 and 10. Although this vaccine is free up to age 25, it does not cover all meningitis strains, including MenB, which can still circulate among youth.

Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of the charity Meningitis Now, urged vigilance concerning the signs and symptoms of meningitis and emphasized that since 2015 only infants have routinely received the MenB vaccine. He advocated for this vaccine to be made available for teenagers and young adults on the NHS, stating: “We believe all teenagers and young adults should be protected by this vaccine on the NHS.” The Department of Health and Social Care has responded by noting that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is currently reviewing MenB vaccine eligibility and will provide updated recommendations in due course. The department reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to maintaining a world-leading immunisation program that evolves with the changing nature of infectious diseases to protect public health

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