Patryk Jarczak, 18, fell ill just a day after arriving in the Emirates on a week-long trip with his parents and eight-year-old brother from Poland.
Patrick must have contracted the illness before leaving home because the incubation period for meningococcal meningitis is usually around four days. After spending a morning at the beach, he initially complained of having a bad stomach ache. But by the following day he was suffering from a high fever and an extensive rash across his body.
He was rushed to hospital where he fell into a coma also suffering multiple organ failure. Patrick is now expected to be transferred to Poland, where he will continue his recovery.
“The family wants to raise awareness of the importance of vaccinations,” said Ms Rodrigues who acted as translator for the family. “Patryk had all sorts of vaccinations that are mandatory in Poland, but meningococcal meningitis is not.”
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