A little girl is currently fighting for her life in hospital with what doctors are deeming to be the worst case of meningitis in 25 years.
This time two months ago, then-9-month-old Kia was just like most babies her age – happy, healthy and full of life. That was until one day her temperature began to rise and she started vomiting. Worried, her mum, Vikki, took Kia to their local GP who diagnosed her with a viral illness and sent the two of them home.
However, just hours later, Kia was rushed to hospital, fighting for her life.
Baby Kia before her life-alteriing meningitis diagnosis.
Kia, who lives with her family in West Yorkshire, England, was soon diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis strain C – a lethal disease that she was due to be vaccinated against close to her first birthday.
Since being diagnosed, Kia continues to fight for her life, having already had all four of her limbs amputated at the hands of the deadly condition.
Her family are currently crowd-funding money in an attempt to relieve the financial pressure Kia’s family already have and will continue to endure following this tragic turn of events.
According to Better Health Victoria, meningitis occurs when the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord become infected. It can be caused by bacteria or a virus, and must be treated immediately as the consequences of not doing so can be deadly.
Symptoms of meningitis
Babies and young children
Fever
Being difficult to wake
High moaning crying
Pale or blotchy skin
Fretfulness
Purple-red skin rash or bruising
Older kids and adults
Headache
Fever
Vomiting
Stiffness in the neck and joint pains
Purple-red skin rash or bruising
Difficulty looking at bright lights
If you, or someone you know, are showing symptoms of meningitis, seek medical attention immediately.
