Meningococcal baby dies in hospital

12.15pm

A baby who underwent surgery earlier this month in Auckland's Starship Hospital after contracting meningococcal disease died overnight, health authorities said today.

10-month-old Sakiusa "Junior" Uluvula, had been battling to ward off a meningococcal B infection for a month.

His mother Tima Uluvula said their family was brokenhearted to have lost Junior, but were relieved that his suffering was over.

"I think we are coping with his passing better because he is now at peace. I had a look at his body last night and he has suffered a lot over the last month. Now he looks really at peace."

Junior lost his legs and right arm to the disease and had to be put back onto a ventilator on Sunday with a rising temperature after developing a secondary infection.

Hopes are high for further improvement in the health of another baby with the disease being treated at the Starship.

Seven-month-old Charlotte Cleverley-Bisman, who lost most of her arms and legs after contracting the disease four weeks ago, is hoped to be well enough to be transferred to Middlemore Hospital within the next two weeks.