A student from Bradford University has publicly urged first-time university students to check if they have been vaccinated against meningitis. Manolo Niembro, a 21-year-old student, stated he almost died a few weeks after starting university when he began experiencing hallucinations, high fever, and other signs of illness which were missed by doctors at Bradford Royal Infirmary. Niembro warned that this was the “worst experience of my life” and he was later taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for lifesaving treatment after the hospital in West Yorkshire apologized for their carelessness.
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord which could be very dangerous if not treated quickly. The NHS has confirmed that meningitis can spread quickly at university so it is important that students make sure their vaccines are kept up to date. Niembro revealed he began to get a sore back, which he thought was caused by the bed at his accommodation. Then, he developed a squint, migraines, hallucinations, high fever, double vision, and became unsteady while standing.
On his first hospital visit, he was recommended paracetamol, water, an eye patch, then sent home. On his second visit, he said he felt “bullied out of the hospital,” adding his girlfriend was “laughed at” by a staff member for suggesting a diagnosis of meningitis or sepsis. Afterward, his parents picked him up in a taxi and immediately took him to the hospital in Cambridge. Children receive multiple meningitis vaccines at a young age, but teenagers, sixth formers, and students going to university are offered a further MenACWY vaccine to keep them safe.
His father recalls the fear that went through his head, knowing he did not want to become one of those families where they looked for their child but never heard from them again. He was a shell of the person he previously was. The hospital has since issued an apology for Manolo’s care, and an investigation was launched to identify areas for improvement. Niembro has returned to university and is reportedly studying engineering at Sheffield University
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