An Inverkeithing mum is sharing her terrifying experience of meningitis and septicaemia ahead of national Meningitis Awareness Week, which will start on Monday.
The Meningitis Research Foundation estimates that meningitis and septicaemia hit 10 people in the UK and Ireland every day.
They are deadly diseases that can strike without warning, killing one in 10, and leaving a quarter of survivors with life altering after-effects ranging from deafness and brain damage to loss of limbs.
The UK’s child mortality rates are among the highest in Europe and Fife mum Gemma Baxter knows all about the illness.
Her son Matthew was a happy 13-month-old when, one day in 2010, he was quieter than usual and had a temperature at 4pm. He started being sick at 6pm and by 1am he was in hospital fighting for his life after collapsing in her arms and turning blue at the lips. With no rash, meningitis was the last thing the family suspected.
“He had canulas everywhere, they were taking his blood pressure every 15 minutes,” Gemma said.
“His heart rate was 210 and his temperature on admission was 40.9. We were incredibly lucky Matthew survived the illness with relatively few side effects.
“He has delayed expressive speech and suffered night terrors following his hospital stay.
“We are also in the process of discussing possible behavioural side effects with his health visitor, but other than that we have a gorgeous, healthy, happy boy with a laugh that lights up a room.
“Meningitis and septicaemia are diseases you never expect to happen but when they strike they can be devastating not just for the person who falls sick, but for all their loved ones, family and friends.
“That’s why I’m supporting Meningitis Awareness Week. Everyone needs to know about these diseases.”
MRF Scotland manager Mary Millar said: “Meningitis is a disease feared by most parents and rightly so, as the UK’s child mortality rates are among the highest in Europe.
“A new vaccine for Meningococcal B infection (Men B) is currently under consideration and may not be introduced because of costs. We are extremely disappointed by this and campaigning hard for a change of heart.
“Vaccines have almost eliminated many types of meningitis but meningitis and septicaemia still present a very real threat to our children.”
More information is available from www.meningitis.org or on a free iPhone App from www.bit.ly/MRFapp.