Family urge parents to be alert for meningitis

Published on Tuesday 22 September 2009 09:50

THE family of a boy who almost died from meningitis have urged new parents to watch for the signs of the potentially fatal illness which has left him with learning difficulties.

Eleven-year-old Lee Thorburn, from Dalkeith, was born with the disease and fought it for a week before he was diagnosed at the Sick Kids hospital.

Had it taken another day for his family to notice suspicious signs, medics say he would have died.

As a result, his aunt Jackie Reid has joined up with the Meningitis Research Foundation to campaign for more awareness among the public and health professionals. It is part of Meningitis in Babies Awareness Week, which began yesterday.

Lee was left suffering from cerebral palsy, learning difficulties and has now had to be taken out of mainstream school.

Mrs Reid, 36, a council support worker from South Queensferry, said: "At the time the hospital said had it been another day then he just wouldn't be with us now.

"But if we'd had it diagnosed he wouldn't be left with the problems he has. It's not easy to spot, and of course if trained medical professionals can't see it then how can the general public? But it's so important to check any little suspicion because it can make such a difference."

Straight after Lee's birth his parents Linda, 43, and Grant, 44, a clinical support worker, noticed bruising on his feet and were told to put warm socks on him. When they reported bruised testicles a couple of days later they were told that too was normal.

If was only when a rash had broken out across his legs and several other problems emerged – like rolling eyes and his body going rigid – that he was rushed to the Sick Kids and diagnosed.

"It was an awful shock, and there was no reason to expect it. He'd been a perfectly healthy pregnancy," added Mrs Reid, who spends two days a week with her nephew.

"But we battle on and try and make the most positive things from him. He's being taught at home just now and we're hoping he will get into a special school.

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Dr Jim McMenamin, consultant epidemiologist at Health Protection Scotland, and chair of Scotland's Meningitis Working Group, said: "Meningitis and septicaemia can be difficult to recognise in the early stages. The symptoms usually start like many mild illnesses, with fever, vomiting, headache and feeling generally unwell.

"More severe symptoms suggestive of the development of meningitis or septicaemia may be the development of a rash that does not fade with pressure, confusion, drowsiness or seizures.

"Not everyone will have all of the symptoms and they can appear in any order. But urgent medical treatment is essential so, if you are worried about yourself or one of your friends, call your GP immediately for advice or NHS 24."