Fit Teen Dies of Meningitis B: Mum’s Urgent Vaccine Plea

The mum of a Bristol teenager who died from Meningitis B just weeks after his 16th birthday is urgently encouraging young people to understand the risks and consider vaccination, particularly as they prepare to begin university life. Ryan Bresnahan, a fit and healthy sports scholar at Clifton College, died in 2010 after a rapid onset of the illness, highlighting how quickly Meningitis B can progress, even in those with no underlying health conditions.

A Sudden Illness, A Devastating Loss

Michelle Bresnahan recalls a seemingly normal Wednesday morning when her son, Ryan, woke up feeling tired. “Ryan was at the gym the night before, he was the fittest, most wonderful young man,” she told BristolLive. He had been slightly unwell overnight, but nothing that immediately raised alarm. “He had been sick in the night but nothing to concern me and he woke up in the morning just really tired and said he would like an energy drink.” Ryan didn’t exhibit typical meningitis symptoms like a rash or sensitivity to light. He was laughing and joking with his mother before her brief trip to the store. Less than an hour later, she returned home to find paramedics attending to Ryan, who had rapidly deteriorated. He died later that day.

The speed of the illness was shocking. Michelle remembers responding to the paramedic’s diagnosis with disbelief: “Ryan went to hospital but by lunchtime, we were phoning our family and friends telling them he had died.” She initially struggled to reconcile the diagnosis with her understanding of meningitis, believing it primarily affected babies and young children. “My immediate response was ‘babies get meningitis, not six-foot men who are 16 years old.’”

Raising Awareness and Funds Through ‘A Life for a Cure’

Following Ryan’s death, the Bresnahan family established ‘A Life for a Cure’, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of meningitis, particularly among teenagers and young adults. The charity has since raised over £619,236 for research into the condition, and more recently, over £650,000 according to recent reports. Their efforts now focus on educating families about symptoms and advocating for vaccination.

Understanding Meningitis B: Symptoms and Risk Factors

Meningitis B is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria and is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. Symptoms can be non-specific, initially resembling flu, making early diagnosis challenging. Key symptoms include a high temperature, headache, vomiting, and a stiff neck. Other signs can include sensitivity to light, drowsiness, confusion, and even seizures. However, as Michelle Bresnahan’s experience illustrates, these symptoms don’t always present in a classic pattern.

Certain groups are at higher risk of contracting Meningitis B. Under-fives and 16-24 year olds are considered particularly vulnerable, as are those living in close quarters, such as university students. The NHS provides detailed information on the disease and its prevention.

Vaccination: A Crucial Preventative Measure

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against Meningitis B. The Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine, Bexsero, is offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule to babies born on or after May 1, 2015. This followed the licensing of a vaccine in 2015, as noted by A Life for a Cure. However, individuals born before this date may not have received the vaccine through the NHS routine schedule and can access it privately.

The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered to teenagers around age 14, providing protection against four strains of meningococcal disease (A, C, W, and Y). This vaccine remains available up to the age of 25, and is particularly recommended for university freshers. Michelle Bresnahan actively campaigns during A-Level results week to encourage young people to get vaccinated before starting university, a time when they are at increased risk due to close living conditions.

The Importance of Awareness Amidst Recent Cases

Michelle Bresnahan emphasizes the importance of ongoing awareness, particularly in light of recent outbreaks of Meningitis B. She believes it’s vital to “produce meningitis the conversation,” not just when cases are in the news. A recent outbreak of Meningitis B cases in Kent has further underscored the necessitate for vigilance and preventative measures. The BBC recently reported on the family’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness.

What to Do If You Suspect Meningitis

If you suspect someone may have meningitis, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Trust your instincts. If you are concerned, contact your GP or proceed to the nearest A&E department. Do not wait for a rash to appear, as this is not always present. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving outcomes.

The family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of Meningitis B and the importance of preventative measures. By raising awareness and advocating for vaccination, ‘A Life for a Cure’ is working to ensure that no other family experiences the heartbreak of losing a loved one to this preventable disease.