Student shares harrowing meningitis battle and urges campus health vigilance

Sofia Mattacola Westley, originally from Northamptonshire, contracted meningitis just weeks before beginning her studies at the University of Exeter in 2025. After mistaking early fever and headache for a migraine, she developed a rash and relentless vomiting, eventually passing out and being rushed to A&E where she spent 48 hours in critical care. Doctors performed a spinal tap that revealed a combination of viral and bacterial infection, leading to a two-week hospital stay and ongoing symptoms such as chronic fatigue and low-pressure headaches.

The experience has left her struggling with academic motivation, social activities and long-term health, prompting her to speak out about the mental and physical toll. She now advises fellow students to act on any gut feeling of illness and not wait for a rash before seeking urgent care.