Norwich teen contracts bacterial meningitis on night out

Sian Alderton, 18, is believed to have caught the life-threatening infection through sharing a vape or drinks during the evening in the city with friends.

She thought she had a sickness bug when she started feeling ill the following day, but after her condition deteriorated it was discovered she had bacterial meningitis.

Sian Alderton started feeling unwell after a night out in October (Image: Supplied)

Sian said her family first became concerned when she woke up on the Sunday following her night out covered in "red and purple spots" that "looked almost like blisters but weren't raised".

Her mum held a glass against the spots but they did not disappear under pressure so the pair raced to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

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"The last thing I remember is walking into the hospital entrance," the teen recalled.

"I know I was aching and it was hard to move so I sat in a wheelchair but then it gets blurry."

Doctors hooked her up to several tubes and placed her into a coma so her body could have a chance to heal.

She is pictured here before heading out that evening (Image: Supplied)

"When I woke up a few days later I was still pretty out of it but was told I had bacterial meningococcus or meningitis," she said.

It was one of a very few cases the hospital had ever seen.

The doctors treating her explained it might have come from sharing a drink or vape or kissing somebody while she was out.

She spent 12 days in hospital (Image: Supplied)

"It was a really difficult time but my family visiting me every day helped the most," she said of the 12-day hospital stint.

"My mum came every single day and slept over a few nights so I wasn't alone all the time.”

She remarkably passed her driving test less than a week after being discharged and set about sharing her story to raise awareness.

Her mum, Kerrie Durrant, said: "Myself and the family would really like to thank the NNUH doctors, consultants, nurses and everyone else involved in Sian's care.

"The staff in A&E, resus, ICU and the Heydon Ward really are amazing."

What is bacterial meningitis?

Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of the charity Meningitis Now, sent his well-wishes to Miss Alderton and shared some top tips for staying safe from bacterial meningitis.

"Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening illness that can strike suddenly and progress rapidly," he said.

“While not everyone exposed to the bacteria becomes ill, close contacts of someone with meningitis are at higher risk and may require preventive antibiotics.

"Avoiding the sharing of personal items and staying up to date with vaccinations can help reduce the risk of transmission."

He added it is "vital" everyone looks out for the symptoms of "a severe headache, fever, vomiting, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, drowsiness and confusion, cold hands and feet or a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure".

"If you suspect meningitis, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical attention," Dr Nutt warned. 

"Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.”