Young woman had her legs amputated after being diagnosed with meningitis

A student who left one of her lectures early with a sore throat ended up fighting for her life after being diagnosed with meningitis.

Charlotte Hannibal, 21, from Nottingham, had both of her legs amputated as her body was ravaged by the deadly infection. 

The business student at Nottingham Trent University also lost most of her left hand and the finger tips on her right from the Men W strain.  

She said: 'I left one of my lectures early with a sore throat, headache and tiredness; similar to having a bad hangover.

'But 48 hours after my first symptoms, I was in hospital and doctors realised my body was shutting down. I spent three months in hospital.

'In that time, I lost part of my hearing, dealt with kidney failure, dialysis, and had both my legs amputated below the knee, along with all my fingers from my left hand.

'I'm making progress every day now, but I'm encouraging everyone starting university this year to get vaccinated so they don't have to go through what I have.'

Backing calls by leading nurses 

Miss Hannibal is now backing calls by leading nurses for 'fresher' students to be vaccinated against group W meningococcal before starting university.

She is working with the charity Meningitis Research Foundation to raise awareness of the Men ACWY vaccine since she survived the disease.

The jab was added to the national immunisation programme in August 2015 as cases of a highly virulent strain of Men W bacteria have soared in recent years.

In 2009/10, 22 cases were recorded in England. This increased to 210 in 2015/16, official figures show. 

Older teenagers and university students are encouraged to get the Men ACWY vaccine to protect themselves against the deadly bacteria. 

Why are students at risk? 

This group is thought to be at a higher risk of infection because they mix closely with lots of new people - some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their noses and throats.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said young people who find out they have a place at university this week have only two weeks to get vaccinated in order to be immune from meningitis in time for the start of term.

The RCN said new students should make an appointment this month to give time for immunity to build before Freshers' Week.

It warned that MenW can be harder to spot due to symptoms less traditionally associated with meningitis, including diarrhoea and vomiting.

The RCN has also called on health leaders to launch an urgent targeted campaign on social media platforms to reach school leavers.

Social media campaign needed

Helen Donovan, public health lead at the RCN, said: 'A targeted social media campaign could save lives. The low take-up is a serious concern as people starting university are particularly at risk. 

'Letters are not enough - it's vital we communicate with young people using platforms they are likely to use. Meningitis can be fatal, and can leave those who survive with life-changing disabilities. 

'Vaccination is quick, easy and free, and offers protection against most strains of the disease, but reaching young people is not easy. 

'We are urging people to contact their surgeries now and book an appointment with the practice nurse.'

Public Health England said it has already launched this year's campaign to encourage uptake for the vaccine, including messages across Facebook, Instagram and other social media.

The vaccine will 'save lives' 

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, said: 'The Men ACWY vaccination programme will save lives and prevent lifelong and devastating disability.

'We have seen a rapid increase in Men W cases across England in recent years and vaccination is the most effective way of protecting against infection.

'Young people are particularly at risk from the Men W strain. Being in confined environments with close contact, such as university halls or lecture theatres, increases the chances of infection if unprotected.

'We urge anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Remain vigilant and seek urgent medical help if you think someone may be showing signs of infection.' 

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