A NORTHSIDE woman has warned parents to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis after experiencing first-hand the disease in her family.
In 2005, Finn Marks, from Kilbarrack, contracted meningitis when he was just four and half-weeks-old.
Finn’s mum, Criona, urged parents to
“act on instinct
? if they feel their children may be in danger of contracting a disease that can lead to devastating consequences.
“Not every type of meningitis carries a rash as a tell tale symptom and the disease can be fatal if not caught in time,
? Criona told Northside People.
“I would advise parents to make themselves aware of the signs which can include lethargy, high-pitched crying, seizures and sensitivity to light.
“Trust your instinct as a parent, carer or guardian and act before it’s too late. The first 24 hours is crucial.
“In Finn’s case, it was a horrific time for our family. Before he ended up in hospital, I noticed that he was sleeping for long periods. His temperature was very high and his cries were high-pitched like those of a cat. He was also turning down his food.
“My instinct told me that there was something seriously wrong with him and I knew I had to get him to hospital.
“He then had facial seizures on his way to Temple Street. Within 10 minutes of being brought into A&E, he was taken to the resuscitation unit and was hooked up to oxygen tubes.
“Four hours later, the doctors said that it was 95 per cent certain that Finn had meningitis.
?
Criona said she was in complete shock when she heard the diagnosis.
“You go into a different mode,
? she stated.
“He was in ICU for the next four days, and overall spent three and a half weeks in hospital.
?
The legacy of Finn’s battle with meningitis is still evident today as he has a developmental coordination disorder, also known as dyspraxia.
“He has learning difficulties and problems in regulating his emotions,
? said Criona.
“Fortunately he is at a great school – Gaelscoil Mide in Kilbarrack – where he gets two and half hours of resource teaching a week, which is a great help.
?
Finn, who will turn nine next week, is one of three children. He doesn’t let these difficulties affect him enjoying his life, and loves his sport, in particular, GAA and soccer.
Criona highlighted her own personal story to help other parents ahead of Meningitis Awareness Week which takes place from September 15-21.
Diane McConnell, Ireland Manager of Meningitis Research Foundation, said they were very grateful to Criona for supporting the event.
Ms McConnell said meningitis and septicaemia are diseases you never expect to happen to your family.
“But Criona’s personal experience really brings home how frightening these diseases can be and why it’s so important to be aware of the symptoms and be prepared to act fast when loved ones, family and friends fall sick,
? she told Northside People.
The Meningitis Research Foundation estimates that there are approximately four cases of meningitis and septicaemia in Ireland every week.
They are deadly diseases that can strike anyone of any age, without warning, killing one in 10, and leaving a quarter of survivors with life altering after-effects ranging from deafness and brain damage to loss of limbs.
Children under five and students are most at risk, but the diseases can strike at any age and not all forms are vaccine preventable.
?¢For more information on the symptoms of meningitis, visit www.meningitis.org