The family of a sixth form student who tragically lost her life to the Kent meningitis B outbreak has bravely spoken out about her desperate fight against the infection in her final moments. Juliette Kenny, an 18-year-old Year 13 student at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, passed away on Saturday, March 14, just one day after her initial symptoms emerged.
A Rapid and Devastating Decline
Juliette's father, Michael Kenny, described his daughter as 'fit, healthy and strong' prior to her sudden illness. She had even completed a practical assessment for her PE A-level on Thursday, March 12. However, by Friday morning, a discolouration appeared on her cheeks, prompting her parents to take her to a local emergency drop-in centre.
At that time, she was not displaying other symptoms, but she was administered antibiotics and transported by ambulance to an A&E department. Tragically, her condition deteriorated rapidly, a hallmark of meningitis, which can escalate from mild to life-threatening within mere hours.
A Father's Agonising Account
'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,' Mr Kenny recounted. '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.'
He expressed that the devastation of her death is immeasurable and something no family should ever endure. Sharing stories of her empathy, warmth, and fun has been a source of solace for her family and friends during this unimaginable time.
Outbreak Details and Vaccine Shortages
Juliette was the second victim of this outbreak, following a University of Kent student who also died from the same strain of meningococcal B. The infection is believed to have originated from a nightclub called Club Chemistry after freshers' events, with cases now reaching 27.
In response, vaccination sites and pharmacies in Kent have reported dwindling supplies, with some locations forced to close early after running out of medicines. To date, over 8,500 antibiotics and 1,600 jabs have been administered to eligible individuals in the county alone.
Calls for Government Action
Juliette's family has joined forces with the Meningitis Research Foundation to advocate for improved access to menB vaccinations for teenagers and young people. Currently, the majority of young people born before 2015 are not protected against menB infection unless they have obtained the vaccination privately, which can cost up to £240 for the full two-dose regimen.
Vinny Smith, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, noted that while the charity has urged for the vaccination to be routinely available on the NHS for all at-risk age groups, this proposal was not advanced as it was deemed not cost-effective. The meningitis jab has been available on the NHS for babies since 2015.
Juliette's grandmother, Linda Kenny, shared that the family is all on antibiotics due to their presence in the hospital when she passed away, highlighting the contagious nature of the disease. Mr Kenny emphasised his desire for his daughter's legacy to inspire lasting change, remembering her as having 'beautifully positive energy.'
