Blake, a 13-month-old had been sick with colds and other bugs on and off since starting daycare.

His mother, a nurse, thought it was just a normal little bug because Blake would get over one thing and then start another. Then she noticed him holding his head funny and she realized neck stiffness is one of the things you think of with meningitis. Blake was rushed to the hospital, and he was confirmed to have bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics were started even before the test results came back but Blake could not be saved.

Karen Quick, CEO of Meningitis Centre Australia said, “ It’s vital parents know the signs and get urgent help if their child has them.  Go straight to emergency and do not wait for the rash to appear as it is often the last sign.”

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