Australian Fitness Influencer Hospitalized With Meningitis in Bali

Smith developed a severe headache in Bali after travelling through Europe, then experienced dizziness, slurred speech and vision, and sensitivity to light. She was taken by ambulance to Bali International Hospital and has spent more than a week in intensive care with bacterial meningitis; a second account also describes viral meningitis, pneumonia alongside fluid in her lungs.

Smith said she woke one day unable to get out of bed and had not expected to become so seriously ill. She has reported memory loss, exhaustion and difficulty maintaining conversations. She also described the challenges of being treated in a foreign country and communicating across a language barrier.

Her mother, Cass Smith, flew to Indonesia after learning of her daughter’s condition. She said doctors performed a CT scan and began antibiotics within hours of Smith’s arrival, and the family praised the medical staff for their care. They hope the prompt treatment will help prevent lasting effects, though her memory problems remain a concern.

Smith cannot currently travel by plane because of swelling affecting her brain and the impact of cabin pressure. Her family hopes she may be cleared to fly in about a week, after which she plans to return to the Gold Coast to recover. Her mother said travel insurance is covering the hospital bills.