A five-year-old boy from Liverpool, Jude Platts, tragically died just 24 hours after being diagnosed with meningitis, a severe infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Jude, who was born with a rare chromosome disorder affecting his ability to walk and speak, and also had autism, was described by his family as a fighter with an 'infectious personality' who overcame numerous obstacles and was obsessed with The Beatles.

In December 2025, Jude began vomiting in the early hours of the morning. As he had no other symptoms like a temperature, his family initially believed he was suffering from a common stomach bug. However, his condition worsened throughout the day, and by 8 pm, he experienced a seizure. An ambulance was called, and at the hospital, Jude's seizure continued, leading to paralysis on his left side. Doctors initially suspected a stroke, but his condition rapidly deteriorated when he stopped breathing, requiring immediate admission to resus and a medically induced coma.

Scans revealed that Jude had encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, likely caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Despite being rushed to the ICU, doctors informed his family at 4 am that he was in an extremely critical condition with only a five per cent chance of survival. His elder brother, Adam Platts, an engineer, recounted that medical professionals had never witnessed an infection affect the brain so rapidly and aggressively. Later that day, an MRI scan confirmed the diagnosis of streptococcal pneumonia meningitis, a highly serious and often fatal bacterial infection.

Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children over one month old and adults across all ages, with nearly 300,000 cases globally in 2021, according to the National Institutes of Health. Bacterial meningitis requires urgent hospital treatment and can be fatal within hours. Meningitis Now, a leading UK charity, states that one in ten people who contract bacterial meningitis will die, and 30 to 50 per cent of survivors will face long-term after-effects such as hearing loss, acquired brain injury, epilepsy, chronic pain, vision problems, and amputations.

Despite various tests and treatments, Jude failed to respond. His family received the devastating news that there was no brain activity. On New Year's Eve, they made the difficult decision to turn off life support, and Jude passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Adam Platts emphasized Jude's remarkable spirit, saying, 'Jude had an infectious personality, he could light up any room, he was always happy. He's always been a fighter; he broke down every obstacle in his way.'

In memory of Jude, the Platts family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to create a bespoke resting place, aiming for a memorial that truly reflects his special life. Meningitis itself is an infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, affecting anyone but most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It can lead to life-threatening sepsis and permanent brain or nerve damage if not treated promptly. Symptoms develop suddenly and can include a high temperature, vomiting, headache, a non-fading rash (though not always present), a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and seizures. Vaccinations are available to offer some protection against the condition. (Source: NHS)