Last updated 10:29, Thursday, 27 November 2008

By Robert JohnsonTHE mother of an 11-month-old baby who nearly died from a rare strain of meningitis has urged parents to be aware of the symptoms.

Lynda Holmes’s daughter Ulaani came close to death in August when she contracted meningococcal Group B.

The youngster had the deadly infection for four days before she was treated at Furness General Hospital and then transferred to a Manchester infirmary. Ulaani has now recovered and is safe and well. Mrs Holmes has spoken out to highlight the subtle early symptoms of meningitis to save crucial hours.

Mrs Holmes said: “She was nine months when she got it. She had it for four days before it was diagnosed.

“She had a high temperature and three tiny, pin-prick size spots.

“She had very, very cold hands and feet and her breathing was difficult and she couldn't hold herself up.

“The doctors said she was lucky to survive. I want to tell other parents that children don't have to have all the symptoms. Ulaani’s fontanelle on the top of her head was bulging, that is how they could tell she had meningitis.

“I would like to thank staff at Furness General Hospital.”

Mrs Holmes owns Millom gift shop Spoilt for Choice and raised £400 for the Meningitis Research Foundation in a raffle on November 1.

There are two main types of meningitis, viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis, the most severe form.

A spokesman for Cumbria Primary Care Trust said: “There are 13 known groups of meningococcal. Group B accounts for almost all the meningococcal cases in the UK. Meningococcal is caused by a mixture of meningitis and septicaemia.

“A number of early warning signs can often occur several hours before the other symptoms of meningitis, so they can serve as an important warning sign. Be alert for the symptoms of fever and any of the following symptoms: the child complains of severe pain in their legs or hands, their hands and feet are unusually cold, and/or their skin becomes pale and their lips may appear blue.”

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis:

lSevere headache

lFever

lVomiting

lDrowsiness

lConfusion

lSeizures or fits

lPhotophobia – intolerance to bright lights (less common in young children)

lStiff neck – this is also less common in young children

Symptoms of viral meningitis are:

lFever,

lHeadache,

lPhotophobia

lNausea and vomiting

lMild symptoms of flu

For more information on meningitis visit www.meningitisuk.org