Keelan's mum warns others about meningitis

The late Keelan O'Connor.

Mary Fogarty
© Bray People

Leanne O'Connor Keane from Bray is sharing her first-hand experience of meningitis during national Meningitis Awareness Week, September 18 to 24.

Leanne tragically lost her 15-year-old son Keelan to group B meningococcal meningitis (MenB) on September 15, 2015.

She wants to ensure that people are aware of the symptoms, know to be vigilant and act fast

'Keelan was a fit and healthy six foot three teenager who loved life and playing sport,' said Leanne. 'On the Sunday he played a football match in the rain and didn't feel great afterwards. We thought it was the start of a flu but he rapidly deteriorated and tragically passed away in hospital on the Tuesday from meningitis.

'I want to warn people about this devastating disease so that they know it can strike at any age and that young adults are the second most at risk group.'

Meningitis Awareness Week is run by Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF). The charity estimates that there have been on average 200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in Ireland. They are deadly diseases that can strike without warning, killing one in 10, and leaving a third of survivors with life altering after-effects that can be as severe as deafness, brain damage and loss of limbs.

Meningitis and septicaemia can develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Early symptoms include headache, vomiting, limb pain, fever, and cold hands and feet. Students should be alert to the symptoms and should not wait for a rash or neck stiffness to develop before seeking medical attention urgently.

Monika Marchlewicz, Ireland Manager of Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) said, 'We are very grateful to Leanne for raising awareness during Meningitis Awareness Week. She knows only too well how devastating this disease can be. MRF funds vital scientific research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia but there are still some forms of the disease which are not covered by vaccines so it is vital that people are aware of the symptoms. We encourage everyone to be vigilant and to get medical help if you spot the symptoms.'For more information go to meningitis.org or call 1800 413344.