A BURNLEY mum has warned parents to be on the lookout for deadly meningitis.

Laura Bell’s one-year-old daughter Jessica was struck down with the illness last year but was saved by her mum’s awareness of the symptoms.

The illness, along with the blood disease septicaemia, kills almost a person a day and a further two are left with life-changing effects such as brain damage, deafness or multiple amputations.

However, health campaigners say spotting the warning signs - such as severe headaches, fever and a rash - can save lives.

Laura, 22, of Williams Road, Burnley, said: “Jessica had group B meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in August last year.

“It was lucky that I spotted the rash and Jessica got hospital treatment as she wouldn’t have survived otherwise.

“As it was she was on life support for days and had to have a blood transfusion before pulling through.”

Laura is now supporting the Meningitis Research Foundation’s B Aware campaign following Jessica’s miracle recovery.

The foundation provides help and support to thousands of families across Britain and currently has 22 research projects ongoing.

Chief executive Christopher Head said: “There are vaccines which provide excellent protection but not all forms of meningitis and septicaemia can be prevented.

“In particular, there is no vaccine to protect against MenB disease, which causes most cases in this country.

“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.”

Symptoms of meningitis include stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, headaches, fever and vomiting, a rash and seizures.

Meanwhile, parents should be on the look-out for cold hands and feet, shivering, diarrhoea, pale skin or rapid breathing - all telltale signs of septicaemia.

For more information call the Meningitis Research Foundation’s free 24-hour helpline on 080 8800 3344 or visit www.meningitis.org.