An 18-year-old sixth form student died from meningitis B just 12 hours after symptoms appeared, amid an outbreak in Kent claiming two lives.
Outbreak Details
Health officials investigate 29 cases linked to Canterbury, Kent. Juliette Kenny, a Year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, passed away on Saturday, March 14, following rapid onset of the infection.
Initial Symptoms and Response
Juliette, described as fit, healthy, and strong, completed her PE A-level practical assessment on Thursday, March 12. Early Friday, she began vomiting and developed discoloration on her cheeks.
Her family rushed her to a local emergency drop-in center that morning. Medics administered antibiotics and arranged an ambulance transfer to A&E.
“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,” her father, Michael Kenny, stated. “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.”
Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
Michael Kenny shared a poignant statement about his daughter: “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.”
Stories of her empathy, warmth, and fun help her loved ones cope. “The illness took her from us so quickly,” he added.
Call for Enhanced Protection
Michael Kenny urges stronger safeguards against meningitis B for young people. “No family should experience this pain and tragedy,” he said. “This can be avoided. There are young people currently battling this and young people still at risk.”
He calls on the government to improve access to the MenB vaccine, available on the NHS for babies since 2015. Many young people born earlier lack protection unless vaccinated privately.
“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.”
Expert Perspective
Vinny Smith, chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, noted that in 2015, the charity advocated for routine NHS availability of the MenB vaccine for all at-risk groups, but the proposal was deemed not cost-effective and not implemented.
