By Graeme Strachan

A DUNDEE mum whose daughter survived a close shave with a potentially-lethal strain of meningitis is urging other parents to check for symptoms.

During Meningitis Awareness Week, Dawn McGaughay of Broughty Ferry is working with Meningitis Research Foundation to get the message across following her own ordeal.

Dawn’s daughter Kirsty (12) fell ill on New Year’s Day and was diagnosed with the most common form of meningococcal meningitis.

Medical staff at Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital initially feared for her life and she was transferred to the intensive care unit at the Sick Kids Hospital in Edinburgh.

But she capped an amazing recovery by returning to classes at Carnoustie High just two weeks later.

Dawn said, “At first I thought she had a migraine. She had all the symptoms to support that. I never thought that someone of her age would get meningitis.

“As a mum, you are taught to look for the symptoms in your baby, but when they get to 12 it’s probably the last thing you think about when your child is ill.

“Kirsty was extremely poorly and we were told that if it hadn’t been for us getting medical treatment as quickly as we did, she wouldn’t have made as good a recovery as she has done.”

She warned parents to “B Aware”—the slogan used by the campaign–that knowing the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia could save a child’s life.

She added, “That’s why I would urge everyone to educate themselves—that’s what Meningitis Research Foundation’s awareness week is all about.”

Meningitis Awareness Week takes place from September 17 to 23 and aims to highlight group B meningococcal disease, which is responsible for most cases in Scotland.

Symptoms to watch out for are vomiting, headaches, neck stiffness and fever.

Dawn described Kirsty as lucky, having avoided any lasting affects.

Although fairly uncommon, meningitis is said to be fatal in one in 10 cases, while one in seven are left with a serious disability, such as deafness, brain damage or even amputations.

Although there are vaccines that provide excellent protection against some forms, there is no vaccine to protect against Men B meningitis and septicaemia.

Meningitis Research Foundation’s Rita Crowe, said, “Meningitis and septicaemia are devastating diseases which within just a few hours can leave a baby, child or adult fighting for their life.

“Knowing the symptoms and acting fast will save lives.”

People can ring the foundation’s free 24-hour helpline—080 8800 3344—for a free B Aware symptoms pack.