Tragic Death of Student from Meningitis Highlights Vaccination Urgency

The sudden death of Emily Charlotte Styles at the age of 19 has raised significant concerns about meningitis and the importance of vaccination. Emily collapsed after reporting a migraine while staying at her boyfriend’s home on December 31, 2014. Despite her parents, Peter and Julia Styles, believing it was a common headache, she was later diagnosed with a severe case of meningitis B, a potentially fatal infection affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Emily, who had dreams of becoming a special needs teacher and had secured a place at Winchester University, exhibited flu-like symptoms prior to her collapse. Her mother Julia recalled that Emily often suffered from headaches but typically managed them with rest and over-the-counter pain relief. “We thought she just had a migraine,” Julia stated. “She went to bed early and when she tried to get up in the morning, she collapsed.”

Upon arriving at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, Emily’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Her family received the devastating news of her critical state only when an ambulance was called. Julia described the moment as “like the worst scene from a film.” Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Emily never regained consciousness and tragically passed away just over 12 hours later.

The NHS estimates that up to one in every ten cases of bacterial meningitis can be fatal. Vaccination is key to prevention, yet the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a decline in vaccination rates among teenagers. Julia expressed her frustration, urging parents to ensure their children receive vaccines that could potentially save lives. “It makes no sense that people wouldn’t take a vaccine that could literally save her life,” she said.

Emily did not have access to the vaccines that protect against meningitis B or other strains at the time of her illness. The MenACWY vaccine, introduced in the UK in 2015, and the MenB vaccine, also introduced in the same year, are now available to adolescents. Recent data from the UKHSA indicates that there were 378 cases of invasive meningococcal disease in the 2024-25 period, an increase from 340 cases the previous year. Notably, the majority of these cases were caused by the MenB strain.

Meningitis can have severe repercussions, with half of survivors experiencing long-term effects such as hearing loss, chronic pain, or cognitive disabilities. Dr. Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now, emphasizes the importance of awareness and vigilance regarding the disease, particularly among teenagers and young adults. “Early recognition saves lives, but prevention through vaccines remains the most effective way to protect against this devastating disease,” he stated.

In the years following Emily’s death, her family has actively campaigned for increased awareness and access to meningitis vaccinations. They have raised £40,000 for Meningitis Now, motivated by the belief that Emily would have made a significant impact in the lives of others. “I know she would have made a difference in people’s lives. She was a brilliant, caring and lovely person,” Julia reflected.

As families continue to navigate health decisions, the Styles family’s tragic experience serves as a powerful reminder of the potential consequences of preventable diseases. They urge others to prioritize vaccinations, ensuring that no other family has to endure the heartbreak they have faced.