Jordan Brook, known for his role on The Only Way Is Essex, has revealed he has been diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis, causing swelling on his brain. The 31-year-old shared the news in a candid video from his hospital bed on Instagram, urging followers to ignore online rumours about his condition.
Brook explained that he has undergone CT scans, MRI scans, and lumbar punctures, and is receiving round-the-clock care, including antiviral medication, pain management, physiotherapy, and seizure monitoring. He noted that the swelling on his brain is worsening despite being on day 11 of treatment.
According to the NHS, meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can cause life-threatening sepsis and permanent damage if not treated quickly. Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, is also serious and requires urgent hospital treatment.
Brook, who is expecting his first child with partner Sophie Kasaei, expressed his determination to recover. 'My focus right now is simple: I need to get healthy. My Sophie's been amazing and she's growing my precious baby boy. I just want to be a young, healthy dad, home for my family, with my baby – that's the goal. This won't beat me,' he said.
He thanked his family, friends, and followers for their support, adding: 'We're not out of the woods yet but we're getting there.' Brook concluded by asking people to be kind to his partner and others in similar situations.
