Mother's meningitis warning after baby's spots turn into serious illness
A mother is warning others of the symptoms of meningitis after spots on the back of her four-month-year-old son soon turned into a rash which covered his whole body.
Ashley-Jay Greatorex, of Walsall, is recovering in hospital and his mother, Anna Hanslow, has taken to Facebook to show the shocking pictures of Ashley's condition – which went from spots to a body-covering rash in just 24 hours.
She rushed the youngster to Walsall Manor Hospital after spotting the dots and noticing Ashley had a high temperature.
She said: "He started with a high temperature and he was fine until I noticed a few spots.
"They spread really quick. They were not flat or raised, it was a different rash to what doctors normally come across and they said they have never seen it spread so quick. They could not work out the rash at all."
After a string of tests Ashley was diagnosed with meningitis and septicaemia. He is recovering in hospital and is 'slowly getting there' but is still poorly.
Anna, a mother of four, said: "Watching my son be poorly like this is the last thing I want. But I'm here and I'm strong for my boy. No matter how much I cry I will always be here. Not being able to hold him properly is so hard."
"I'm trying to be so strong for him but I just want to break into a million crumbles and take this nasty disease away."
She said that the 'glass test' where a glass is rolled over the rash failed them.
Normally, if the rash doesn't fade under the pressure it is a possible sign of blood poisoning caused by meningitis and getting medical attention is strongly recommended.
Ashley is expected to stay in hospital for at least another week until he is given the all-clear by doctors.
Anna and her partner Kieron are now using their son's scare to raise awareness of meningitis and its symptoms.
She said: "I am giving some pictures to warn people it does not always start like they say it does. Please if anyone worries about it,go get checked as soon as possible."
A Facebook group has been set up to support Ashley and his fight.
Hundreds of well-wishers have taken to the group, called Support Baby Ashley, to send their best to the youngster.
Clare McKay said: "Get better real soon you gorgeous lil boy.
"Anna and Kieron you are doing so well and being so strong, thank you for raising awareness on this horrid infection, your actions will help save more children."
Casiann Brookes added: "Don't personally know you but my heart goes out to you. Hope Ashley has a speedy recovery."
An online donation page has been set up to raise money for Ashley.
It can be viewed by going to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/SuperheroBabyAshley
