“We shall never forget the worst week of our family’s life and our thoughts go out to any family who suffer the pain of losing a loved one."
Brother and sister Jordan and Zoe from Delabole in Cornwall both came down with meningitis as young children in 2001.
Fortunately, it was diagnosed quickly and they responded to treatment well. It has made the family realise though that things can go fatally wrong very quickly, as Grandmother Susan tells us here:
“Jordan was three weeks away from his 3rd birthday when he contracted meningococcal septicaemia. He was lethargic and pale and had spots that didn't go away when my daughter did the tumbler test.
Diagnosed meningitis
“The excellent GP came out and diagnosed meningitis straight away and he was rushed to hospital over an hour away. Later that day his younger sister also had meningococcal septicaemia.
“The Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske were amazing and put Jordan on a life support machine. At this point my daughter was told the next 24 would be critical and if she had waited half an hour longer to seek help from the GP then the results would have been fatal.
Very traumatic
“She then was told her daughter was being admitted for the same thing. Luckily because she was caught quickly Zoe was given antibiotics. This was very traumatic. They put lines in where they could, even in her ankles!
“After 24 hours of round the clock care and attention they were both put on the children's ward for a further week.
“They had never had siblings contract the condition and were using this case to alert other health care workers.
Happy outcome
“For Jordan and Zoe it was a happy outcome. If any part of the chain of medical treatment from the GP to the hospital hadn't worked properly they would not be with us today. Just to say though, this was a time before the meningitis B jab was available.
“It has made us extremely grateful but also makes you realise things can go fatally wrong very quickly.
“Neither Jordan nor Zoe suffered long-term problems and have made successful lives for themselves.
“We shall never forget the worst week of our family’s life and our thoughts go out to any family who suffer the pain of losing a loved one."
