Mother’s anxious time with meningitis

Katie Kerr’s son Isaac contracted viral meningitis last year and despite the grave illness is now recovering well and even recently took his first steps.

The pair are supporting Meningitis Now’s Viral Meningitis Week, which runs until May 10, to dispel myths and raise awareness about the long term problems sufferers can face.

“Viral meningitis turns your life upside down,” said Katie. “It’’s vital that it’s treated seriously.”

Katie’ spoke of the time her son took ill.

““I knew that Isaac was unwell as he was very unsettled,” she explained. “He began running a temperature and developed some spots on his skin.

“Isaac’s deterioration was quick. He soon became lethargic and irritable, and developed a high fever. The spots spread into a rash up his arms which didn’t subside with pressure.

“The following day he had blisters on his fingers and toes and was diagnosed with hand-foot-and-mouth disease as well as viral meningitis. He remained in hospital for a few days.”

Up to 6,000 people each year across the UK suffer from viral meningitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and the spinal cord. “

For more information, visit www.meningitisnow.org or freephone 0808 80 10 388.