Inquest into the death of Jeremy Webb

16y · Male·Anaphylaxis due to mammalian meat allergy after tick bite, causing an acute exacerbation of asthma, which progressed to status asthmaticus

Jeremy Webb, 16, died from anaphylaxis due to mammalian meat allergy (tick-induced) which triggered status asthmaticus. He had experienced red meat reactions since age 10 and a severe respiratory event in April 2021 that was diagnosed as asthma without consideration of anaphylaxis. This represented a missed diagnostic opportunity, as the presentation had atypical features consistent with anaphylaxis, and recognition would have led to adrenaline autoinjector prescription. On the night of his death, after eating beef sausages while camping, he developed rapid-onset severe respiratory distress and died despite ambulance adrenaline administration. Key clinical lessons: awareness of mammalian meat allergy among clinicians is essential, particularly in high-prevalence areas; atypical presentations of anaphylaxis may mimic asthma; differential diagnosis should be considered in severe unexplained respiratory events; and early specialist referral for suspected anaphylaxis is critical.