In a family notice published today his parents, Samantha and Joseph, have said he died of meningitis and that funeral arrangements will be published on Wednesday and Saturday.
In a statement they said his family have been left “devastated and in a state of huge shock” but said they have been comforted by all those who have shown them support over the last week.
The teenager was first admitted to hospital on Sunday 8 April and his parents have thanked the staff who cared for him saying they went “above and beyond.”
The full statement from Joe Gray’s family is below:
The confirmation of the young man’s death follows the release last week of information regarding meningitis and its symptoms by the Committee for Health and Social Care. At the time, HSC told Express it was issuing the information in response to “a number of reports on social media with regard to meningitis.”
The information confirmed that meningitis is “an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges)” and it can affect anyone but it is known to be most common in:
- babies
- young children
- teenagers
- young adults
Meningitis has a number of symptoms and they can develop suddenly. These symptoms can include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- being sick · a headache
- a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won’t always develop) · a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
HSC said these symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear.
Vaccinations for meningitis are available with HSC explaining that they can offer “some protection against certain causes of meningitis” adding that the vaccinations are offered as part of the routine vaccine programme in Guernsey and Alderney. Whilst Guernsey and Alderney have a high vaccine uptake HSC said it would encourage any parents whose children have not received these vaccines or are unsure about their children’s vaccine status to contact their GP practice to discuss this further.
You can find more Information about the Guernsey Immunisation Programme here.
HSC said in its original statement that if you are concerned that you or your child could have meningitis, you should get medical advice as soon as possible. Parents should always “trust your instincts and don’t wait until a rash develops” with HSC adding that you should call 999 for an ambulance or go to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.
QUESTIONS?
If anyone has any queries or concerns you can contact:
- Kay Bull from the Bailiwick’s Infection, Prevention and Control Team
or
- Dr Nicola Brink, Guernsey’s Director of Public Health
They can both be contacted on 725241.