Seema Jaswal Reveals Meningitis Coma & Urges Vaccinations After Kent Outbreak

BBC Sport presenter Seema Jaswal has revealed she was left in a coma and nearly died after contracting meningitis B at the age of 16, following a recent surge in cases in Kent. The 41-year-old, known for her coverage of snooker for the BBC, is now speaking out to raise awareness of the disease and advocate for mandatory vaccinations.

Jaswal’s ordeal began with a headache while she was studying for her A-Levels. Initially, a doctor diagnosed the ailment as flu, but her mother, Raziya, grew concerned when Jaswal developed a sensitivity to light. Acting on her instincts, Raziya called for an ambulance, suspecting meningitis. “She called the ambulance. The paramedics came and took me to hospital. I don’t remember any of this part. I was in a coma for between 24 and 48 hours,” Jaswal recounted in an interview with the Daily Mail.

Her parents were prepared for the worst, as doctors outlined the potential for devastating long-term consequences. Jaswal ultimately made a full recovery, but she acknowledges the luck involved. “It changed my outlook on things. I feel so grateful that I’ve been given a second chance,” she said. She emphasized that many who contract Meningitis B experience lasting disabilities, including limb loss, blindness, or hearing loss.

Jaswal’s experience comes amid a recent outbreak of meningitis in Kent, prompting her to share her story and urge greater public awareness. She is calling on the government to enforce compulsory vaccinations to protect others from the potentially fatal disease. “If something doesn’t feel quite right, even if it’s a degree off a normal cold or flu, you’ve got to run with it and get it checked. That’s my advice,” she stated.

The NHS lists the symptoms of meningitis as a high temperature, sickness, headache, a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and seizures.