On the day that a teenager died from meningitis after falling ill at Boardmasters festival, a national has urged teenagers to get vaccinated.

George Zographou, aged 18, passed away at the Royal Cornwall Hospital this afternoon, his sister Nicole said in a Facebook post. He had shown signs of the disease at the festival this weekend, and was treated onsite by medical professionals before being transferred to hospital, where his condition later deteriorated.

National charity Meningitis Now has urged teenagers to get the meningitis ACWY vaccination, which protects young people from four different strains of the disease, and has also issued advice on how to spot the symptoms.

School leavers who will be 18 on 31st August are being offered the vaccine at their GP surgery for the final year of a catch up vaccination programme. First year university students up to the age of 25 are also eligible to receive the vaccine, which will continue to be offered routinely to year nine students in schools.

In a post prior to his death, Nicole wrote on Facebook: "What all young people can do is please contact your GP and get the meningitis vaccination MEN ACWY. Don't hesitate. It doesn't cover all strands. But this is available you and because of our amazing NHS this is free.

"Parents please make this happen. It has been a jab in the stomach knowing Georges vaccination letter is sat on our kitchen table."

Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: “Meningitis is often difficult to diagnose and can develop very quickly, with devastating consequences.”

“Protect yourself and your family by knowing the signs and symptoms, trusting your instincts, and seeking medical help immediately if you suspect meningitis.”

Paul Gentry, whose daughter Izzy died after contracting meningitis in 2016 said: “I know first-hand how devastating it is to lose a child to meningitis. We must do all we can as parents, to ensure that our children are protected and safe. The ACWY vaccine is one really simple way that young people can protect themselves.”

“Izzy had a bright future ahead of her, which was stolen by meningitis. Please don’t let the same happen to your children, tell them about the vaccine, tell them about Izzy – protect your children.”

Symptoms of the illness can include fever, cold hands and feet, sweating, vomiting, sleepiness, confusion and irritability, severe muscle pain, pale, blotchy skin or a rash, severe headaches, a dislike of bright lights, a stiff neck, and convulsions or seizures.

For more information on meningitis, including free signs and symptoms cards, visit MeningitisNow.org or phone the Meningitis Now helpline on 0808 80 10 388.