Eddie Rosen was a young and talented playwright, who had a bright future ahead of him. He was the son of Michael Rosen, a famous children’s author and former children’s laureate. But tragically, Eddie’s life was cut short by a rare and fatal disease: meningococcal septicaemia. In this article, we will explore what happened to Eddie, what is meningococcal septicaemia, and how to prevent and treat it.
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The Day That Changed Everything
It was a normal day in April 1999, when Eddie Rosen, who was 18 years old at the time, told his father that he had a headache and felt a bit weird. He had been experiencing flu-like symptoms for a few days, but nothing too serious. His father, Michael Rosen, advised him to take some painkillers and rest. He also told him a funny story about how he used to chase him as a naughty toddler, and how he grew up to be bigger than him and could lift him up in the air. Eddie seemed to enjoy the story and decided to go to bed after having some ice-cream.
The next morning, Michael Rosen found his son cold and unresponsive in his bed. He called an ambulance, but it was too late. Eddie was pronounced dead at the scene by the paramedics. According to The Guardian, one of them said, “He’s dead.” It turned out that what killed him was meningitis, or to be more precise, meningococcal septicaemia.
What is Meningococcal Septicaemia?
Meningococcal septicaemia is a severe form of blood poisoning caused by the same bacteria that cause meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria are called Neisseria meningitidis, and they can be divided into several groups, such as A, B, C, W, Y, and Z. According to the NHS, group B is the most common cause of meningococcal disease in the UK, followed by group W.
The bacteria can live harmlessly in the back of the nose and throat of some people, without causing any symptoms. However, sometimes they can invade the bloodstream and cause septicaemia, or the lining of the brain and cause meningitis, or both. The reasons why this happens are not fully understood, but some factors that may increase the risk include:
- Being a young child or a teenager
- Having a weakened immune system
- Living in crowded or close contact with others, such as in student halls or military barracks
- Travelling to areas where the disease is more common, such as parts of Africa and Asia
The symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia can develop very quickly and can be fatal if not treated promptly. They include:
- A high temperature
- Cold hands and feet
- Pale or mottled skin
- A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- Breathing difficulties
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Joint or muscle pain
- A stiff neck
- A severe headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures or convulsions
The symptoms of meningitis are similar, but may also include:
- A bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on a baby’s head)
- A dislike of being handled or touched
- A high-pitched or moaning cry
- A stiff body with jerky movements
How to Prevent and Treat Meningococcal Septicaemia?
The best way to prevent meningococcal septicaemia is to get vaccinated against the most common types of the bacteria. In the UK, there are several vaccines available, such as:
- The MenACWY vaccine, which protects against groups A, C, W, and Y, and is offered to teenagers and young adults
- The MenB vaccine, which protects against group B, and is offered to babies and children under 2 years old
- The Hib/MenC vaccine, which protects against group C and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and is offered to babies
- The pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, another cause of meningitis and septicaemia, and is offered to babies and adults over 65 years old
The vaccines are safe and effective, but they do not protect against all types of the bacteria, and they may not work for everyone. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, and to seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know has them. Do not wait for a rash to appear, as it may not always be present, or it may be too late.
The treatment for meningococcal septicaemia is usually a course of antibiotics, given through a drip into a vein. The sooner the treatment is started, the better the chances of survival and recovery. However, some people may still die or suffer from serious complications, such as:
- Brain damage
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Kidney failure
- Limb amputation
- Skin scarring
- Psychological problems
The Legacy of Eddie Rosen
Eddie Rosen was a creative and talented young man, who had written a play and was planning to stage it with his friends. He was also a loving son, brother, and friend, who was adored by many. His death was a devastating shock to his family and everyone who knew him. His father, Michael Rosen, wrote a book about his grief, called Sad Book, which is a moving and honest account of his loss and how he copes with it. He also wrote a poem, called Eddie and the Birthday, which is a tribute to his son and his birthday, which falls on 7 November.
Michael Rosen has also been raising awareness and funds for research and support for meningitis and septicaemia, through his work with the Meningitis Research Foundation and the Meningitis Now charities. He has been sharing his story and encouraging people to get vaccinated and to know the symptoms of the disease. He has also been supporting other families who have been affected by the disease, and offering them comfort and hope.
Eddie Rosen’s life was cut short by a deadly disease, but his memory lives on in the hearts and minds of his loved ones and many others. He is an inspiration to all who knew him, and a reminder of the importance of preventing and treating meningococcal septicaemia.