A 21-YEAR-OLD woman who went to bed feeling “groggy” with a headache died in her mum’s arms the next morning.
Jessica Cain, 21, from Gateshead, contracted meningitis and septicaemia and died in October.
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She had complained of a headache before taking paracetamol and going to bed.
Her mum, Sheila Rowell, 49, found her daughter unresponsive in bed the next morning.
Sheila said: “She said she had a bit of a headache and felt a bit groggy. She took a couple of paracetamol and water and went to bed.
‘I COULDN’T WAKE HER’
“The next morning, I went to speak to her but I couldn’t wake her up.”
She phoned for an ambulance and attempted CPR as she received instructions over the phone. Paramedics couldn’t revive Jessica.
It was later found she had meningitis and septicaemia – or blood poisoning.
Sheila added: “Everyone is still in shock. It hit everybody hard. It happened so quickly and was so sudden.”
Everyone is still in shock. It hit everybody hard
Sheila Rowell, Jessica’s mum
Jessica has been described as “a gorgeous girl both inside and out” and a “true Angel of the North”.
After completing sixth form, she began studying at the University of Derby, aiming to pursue a career in art therapy.
She spent her last week travelling to Manchester, Derby, Birmingham and Sheffield with friends before returning to the North East.
Her mum said: “She was stunning and was always happy and smiley. She is smiling in every picture I have of her.”
Sheila wants to raise awareness of potentially fatal illnesses, such as meningococcal disease – the term used to describe meningitis and septicaemia.
She is urging people to get help as early as possible if they spot any signs of them.
SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR
THE symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and include:
- A high fever over 37.5 degrees – the average human temperature
- being sick
- a headache
- a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it
- stiffness, especially in the neck
- sensitivity to bright lights
- drowsiness, irritability or lack of energy
- cold hands and feet
- seizures
The classic rash associated with meningitis usually looks like small, red pinpricks at first.
But it will spread over the body and turn into red or purple blotches.
If you press the side of a glass firmly against the skin where the rash is and it does not fade, it is a sign of blood poisoning and you should get medical help immediately.
n babies, the symptoms can be slightly different.
They may:
- refuse to eat
- be agitated and not want to be picked up
- have a bulging soft spot in their head
- be floppy and unresponsive
- have an unusual, high-pitched cry
- have a stiff body
According to the charity Meningitis Now, early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet.
Jessica’s best friends have started a GoFundMe page in her memory.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do it here.
