Teen caught ‘brain-swelling bug’ after sharing drinks and vapes on night out

A teenager almost died from a rare infection she believes she caught after sharing a vape and drinks on a night out.

Sian Alderton, 18, caught bacterial meningitis – an infection that causes inflammation around the brain – after going out with friends in Norwich, Norfolk.

She initially thought she had a normal bug when she began to feel ill the following day – but was rushed to hospital when her mum noticed red spots on her body.

Ms Alderton was placed in a medically-induced coma for four days as her body battled the infection.

She and her mum Kerrie are now raising awareness of the signs of meningitis after doctors believe she could have caught it from sharing drinks, a vape or kissing.

Mum Kerrie Durrant, 36, said: ‘Everything happened so quickly when we arrived at the hospital. Sian was put into an induced coma and the doctors and consultants told us Sian was very poorly.

‘We would need to prepare for the worst and to say our goodbyes as she may not come out of the coma. I want to make people aware that the doctors have to find a source or where the meningitis bacteria started from.

‘During tests Sian showed symptoms of sinusitis meaning it could have possibly been contracted through saliva from such things as vaping, kissing or sharing drinks.’

Sian went out on October 18 to two clubs with her friends where she said she shared a vape with them.

The next morning, she was covered in red and purple spots, which did not disappear when her mum held them under pressure.

Sian said: ‘The last thing I remember is walking into the hospital entrance. I know I was aching and it was hard to move so I sat in a wheelchair but then it gets blurry.’

Within four hours of arriving at the hospital, Sian was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and placed into a medically-induced coma for four days.

When she woke up days later, she was told she had bacterial meningococcus or meningitis – one of the ‘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 – but they couldn’t pinpoint the cause.

Sian spent 14 days altogether in hospital and remarkably passed her driving test less than a week after being discharged.

Her mum added: ‘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.’

Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of the charity Meningitis Now, said: ‘Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening illness that can strike suddenly and progress rapidly.

‘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.

‘If you suspect meningitis, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.’

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