A mother has issued a stark warning after her 16-year-old son died from sepsis caused by meningococcal B, just hours after complaining of sore muscles.
Levi Syer came home from school on September 23 feeling unwell, with muscle pain and gastro-like symptoms. His mother, Norliah Syer-Peterson, booked a doctor's appointment for the next day, but at 1.30am, Levi's condition deteriorated rapidly. He became delirious and was rushed to hospital, where he died despite the efforts of nearly 60 doctors and specialists.
Purple blotches appeared on his face and body before he was intubated, and his heart eventually shut down. Doctors performed CPR for almost 90 minutes, but he could not be saved. Levi had been vaccinated against meningococcal ACWY at school, but not against the B strain, which is the deadliest.
Meningitis deaths have risen in the UK, with 33 deaths in 2022/23, driven by a rise in MenB cases. Since 2016, the UK has vaccinated babies against MenB, but some young people remain unprotected. Levi's mother urges parents to educate themselves about the risks and ensure their children are vaccinated.
