Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Fife woman who died from meningitis.
Michelle Whyte, 24, from Markinch, passed away after being admitted to Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital with meningococcal meningitis.
Her family and friends are being supported by health professionals as they try to come to terms with what has happened. Those who had been in close contact with Miss Whyte have been identified and prescribed antibiotics as a precaution.
The former Bell Baxter High School pupil was well-known in the community for her volunteer work, having been involved with Markinch Youth Club, the 2nd Markinch Guides and 1st Markinch Rainbows.
Having studied childcare at Adam Smith College, she was also an out-of-schools practitioner at Markinch After School Kids Club.
Miss Whyte was also ladies’ vice president of Markinch Bowling Club, which passed on the sad news via social media.
“Michelle will be remembered fondly by all who knew her,” it said.
“She will be forever in our thoughts and our prayers are with her family and friends at this time.”
The club also confirmed that Miss Whyte’s funeral is due to take place at Kirkcaldy Crematorium on Friday, with those attending asked to wear bright colours in her honour as she almost always had a “brilliant, bright smile in life”.
It is understood Miss Whyte got engaged to her boyfriend Jake Guilar in November and the pair were looking forward to spending their lives together.
Jake’s father Eddie was also one of those paying tribute to his son’s “beautiful fiancé”.
“Michelle, you were a beautiful, beautiful person, you will be terribly missed by the Guilar family,” he added.
NHS Fife has stressed meningitis cases are rare in Fife, but Dr Chris McGuigan, consultant in public health medicine, has urged people to look out for symptoms of the infection.
“These can include fever or vomiting, severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, and rash that does not disappear if pressed with a glass,” he said.
“Young children may refuse food, appear drowsy or agitated and have unusual body movements or a shrill, moaning cry when handled.
“If you notice these symptoms you should seek urgent medical advice and treatment.”
People were advised to call their GP or NHS 24 on 111 where any combination of the symptoms is present.
