Baby boy is struck by deadly meningitis TWICE in three weeks – as terrifying photos show rash spreading
A BABY boy has been struck by deadly meningitis for a second time in just three weeks, his mum fears.
Ashley-Jay Greatorex was first rushed to hospital on March 8, after a rash on his back spread from a few "dots" to cover his entire body in just one day.
Mum Annabella Hanslow rushed her four-month-old son, to hospital after he was struck down by a high temperature and purple blotches.
The rash left doctors scratching their heads, as it appeared different in the early stages compared to normal meningitis cases, she said.
After running a slew of tests, medics diagnosed the youngster with both meningitis and septicaemia.
A week later the tot was allowed home from Walsall Manor Hospital.
But within days, another red rash appeared, spreading across his little body.
And like last time, it failed to disappear under the pressure of the glass test.
Annabella and Ashley's dad Kieran Greatorex rushed the tot back to hospital, where he had another round of tests and a lumbar puncture after his face, hands and feet became swollen, the reported.
The couple were shocked to discover their son is battling meningitis for a second time - a rare case of the deadly bug striking twice.
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Writing on Facebook mum Annabella, 26, said: "He's got meningitis again.
"Seriously why does this boy need this? Who's punished us?
"It's vile watching your baby, your nearly five-month-old that can't even sit up without crying, in pain."
She said doctors have dubbed Ashley's rash a "mystery" and still don't know if Ashley has been struck by bacterial or viral meningitis.
"They think viral, as last time it was bacterial," Annabella added.
The mum, who gave Ashley Calpol after he first came down with a temperature earlier this month, said she became worried when he was still sick the following day.
It wasn’t until two days later that she noticed a number of red dots on his skin, and rushed him to the doctor as soon as possible.
The four-month-old was immediately transferred to hospital, where he was put on a drip.
Speaking at the time, Annabella said: "He's slowly getting there it just takes time.”
Writing on Facebook after Ashley's first brush with meningitis, Annabella shared pictures of her son’s skin covered in a worrying rash, to warn parents meningitis “doesn’t always start like they say it does”.
She wrote: "He started with high temp. Fine he was! Till I noticed a few spots.
"Then spread really quick! Not flat but not raised as such either.
“This is a different rash to the normal they come across they have never seen it spread so quick!
"They couldn't work out the rash at all, they were confused. The first pic with the little dots was from yesterday morning.
Meningitis: What to look out for
It can easily be mistaken for flu or a hangover in adults, but knowing the signs of meningitis can prove life-saving.
The deadly disease can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young kids and young adults.
Meningitis causes an inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord and can be triggered by bacteria or a virus.
If it is not treated quickly meningitis can develop in deadly septicaemia, or blood poisoning, that can cause permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
Around 3,200 people a year are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and one in 10 die or are left with life-changing disabilities.
Viral forms of meningitis are less common and rarely life-threatening.
From September 2015 the Meningitis B vaccination was included in the childhood immunisation programme for children born on or after July 2015 – too late for Mia.
This vaccination is offered to babies aged two months, with a second dose at four months and another at 12 months free of charge but is also offered privately for people who are ineligible.
Babies born on or after 1 May 2015 are also being offered the vaccine as part of a one off catch-up campaign.
What are the key symptoms?
The symptoms of meningitis can develop very quickly, and include:
- A high fever
- Being sick
- A headache
- A blotchy red rash that won't fade when a glass is rolled over it
- Stiffness, especially in the neck
- Drowsiness, irritability or a lack of energy
- Cold hands and feet
- Seizures
In babies the symptoms may be slightly different, they may:
- Refuse to eat
- Be agitated and not want to be picked up
- Have a bulging soft spot on their head
- Be floppy and unresponsive
- Have an unusual, high-pitched cry
- Have a stiff body
"The last is from this morning. Please if anyone worries about it.
"Go get checked asap [as soon as possible]!
"I'm trying to be so strong for him but I just want to break into a million crumbles and take this nasty disease away.
"The docs said be prepared for him to get worse."
She added: "Trust your instinct don't let others tell you different.”
Annabella’s sister, Beverley Summers, has shared a Facebook page to raise awareness of the youngster’s plight as he recovers in hospital.
Writing on the page, called , Beverley wrote: "Can we get lots of prayers to support my sister and her partner to get baby Ashley well again.
“He is fighting meningitis and septicaemia.
"Come on little man, get well soon."
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