Meningitis symptoms call for immediate action

By REBECCA WALSH

When little red spots started appearing on Bailey Glassie's shoulders and face, his mother realised it wasn't just his sinuses making him sick.

"I dialled 111 because I didn't know what was happening. It wasn't anything I had seen before," Jody Glassie said.

The four-year-old, who already suffered from febrile seizures caused by high temperatures, had been unwell for about a week and was diagnosed by the family doctor as having a sinus infection. He was given antibiotics but his temperature continued to rise.

"That afternoon he fell asleep and woke up at 6.30pm with a high temperature. I stripped him off and put him in the bath to cool him down," she said.

"When he was in the bath there was a blank look on his face. He wasn't coherent and wasn't listening ... the next moment he went into a little seizure, not like the ones we are used to.

"Then he came out in a rash. I saw little spots coming up on his shoulders and face."

Mrs Glassie immediately phoned 111 and Bailey was taken by ambulance to Starship children's hospital where doctors diagnosed meningococcal disease.

He was treated "for the worst case scenario" with intravenous drugs and antibiotics. His family also had to take antibiotics.

She said the family's rushed trip to Starship last month was frightening.

Anyone who thought their children might be developing the disease should seek medical help straight away.

"Don't muck around with it. If you see that your child is deteriorating in their health and things are changing, like high temperatures and vomiting, do something about it."

KEY SYMPTOMS

* Fever.

* Refusing food or drink.

* Are sleepy or floppy, or hard to wake.

* Vomiting.

* Have a rash/spots.

* Have a headache.

In young children or babies symptoms can also include being unsettled or crying.

Dislike of bright lights.

If in doubt get it checked out.

It can be spread by:

* Sharing drink, food or utensils.

* Kissing.

* Sleeping in the same room.

* Living in the same household.

* Attending the same preschool (for more than just a few hours a week).

Source: Ministry of Health


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