Meningitis Survivor's Harrowing Journey from Misdiagnosis to Near-Death Experience
Hannah Ewing, a 26-year-old from Harlow, Essex, initially dismissed her severe vomiting and diarrhoea in November 2024 as a simple case of food poisoning. However, within a mere 24 hours, her condition deteriorated rapidly, culminating in a life-threatening battle with pneumococcal meningitis that left her deaf in one ear and grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
A Rapid Descent into Delirium and Medical Emergency
On November 3, 2024, Hannah began experiencing intense symptoms, believing it was food poisoning and remaining bedridden for two days. Her fiancé, Ryan, grew increasingly alarmed when she started exhibiting signs of delirium on November 4, speaking incoherently and behaving erratically. He promptly contacted NHS 111, which arranged for an ambulance in the early hours of November 5.
Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors in A&E initially suspected drug-induced psychosis due to her erratic behaviour. However, persistent advocacy from Ryan and Hannah's mother, Christine, led to further testing. Hannah was swiftly transferred to the intensive care unit and placed into a medically induced coma for eight days while doctors conducted a lumbar puncture, confirming the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.
Life-Altering Consequences and Gruelling Recovery
Upon awakening from the coma, Hannah faced immense challenges: she was completely deaf in her left ear and had suffered 20% hearing loss in her right ear, necessitating a hearing aid. Additionally, a nerve was damaged during the lumbar puncture, requiring her to relearn how to walk through extensive physiotherapy. The trauma of the experience left her with vivid, frightening delusions during her delirium, contributing to ongoing post-traumatic stress.
Hannah's recovery was further complicated when, in March 2025, she experienced a recurrence of meningitis symptoms, including a rash and vomiting. Although the rash was later diagnosed as lupus, an autoimmune condition, she required another hospital admission and additional treatment. The aftermath included severe back pain and balance issues, significantly impacting her daily life.
Outbreak in Kent Heightens Fears and Highlights Awareness
The recent bacterial meningitis outbreak in Kent, which claimed the lives of an 18-year-old student and a 21-year-old university attendee, has intensified Hannah's fears. She emphasises the critical importance of recognising symptoms early, noting that meningitis can be mistaken for common ailments like flu or food poisoning. Caroline Hughes, support services manager at the Meningitis Research Foundation, underscores the necessity of vaccination and symptom awareness, urging the public to seek immediate medical help if meningitis is suspected.
Hannah has found solace and support through the Meningitis Research Foundation, which assisted her with audiology assessments and mental health resources. In a heartwarming show of solidarity, her fiancé and brother-in-law are running the London Marathon to raise funds for the charity, having already collected £5,000. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the swift and devastating nature of meningitis, advocating for vigilance and prompt action in the face of potential symptoms.
