A Laois mother whose baby developed bacterial meningitis is urging parents to act quickly when they believe something is wrong, even when the most familiar symptoms are absent. Helena Power says her son Tom’s illness has had lifelong consequences, but she credits her instincts with helping him receive urgent medical attention.
What happened to Tom?
Tom was about three weeks old when Power noticed that he was not sleeping and had developed an unusual, high-pitched cry. He also had reflux. Although he did not have a high temperature or visible rash, Power felt strongly that her baby was unwell.
After contacting her GP, she brought Tom for hospital assessment. Doctors carried out blood tests and a lumbar puncture. By then, he was vomiting and his hands were extremely cold. His condition also appeared to be changing quickly, including increased sensitivity to light and a backward movement of his head.
When meningitis was mentioned, Power said she was overwhelmed by the seriousness of the diagnosis. Tom was transferred to the intensive care unit at Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, where doctors confirmed late-onset Group B streptococcus meningitis.
Why this story matters for Ireland News
Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis can progress rapidly and requires emergency medical treatment. Babies and young children are among the groups at increased risk, although people of any age can develop the condition.
Tom spent two days in intensive care and a further week at Temple Street. He then returned to the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise for three weeks and continued taking antibiotics for another six weeks after going home.
Power said she and her husband, Kelvin, were left uncertain about what the illness would mean for their son’s development and long-term health. She also said there is no proof that Tom’s infection came from the same Group B streptococcus infection that caused her own sepsis after his birth, although the timing was deeply concerning for the family.
Key facts
- Meningitis can worsen rapidly.
- Symptoms may not appear in the same combination in every patient.
- Babies may show irritability, feeding problems or an unusual cry rather than a classic rash.
- Anyone who is seriously concerned about a child’s health should seek urgent medical advice.
Long-term effects after bacterial meningitis
In January, Tom was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid in the brain that can place pressure on brain tissue. A shunt was inserted to manage the condition, and Tom later required a revision operation.
Power described hydrocephalus as a lifelong illness and said the family must remain vigilant. The diagnosis brought continuing worries about developmental milestones and the possible damage caused by meningitis.
Despite those concerns, Tom began primary school last month and is reportedly doing very well. His mother describes him as an energetic five-year-old who enjoys football and hurling. For the family, starting school represented a major moment of relief after intensive treatment and two significant surgeries.
Recognising possible meningitis symptoms
Symptoms can vary according to age and may appear in different combinations. They can include:
- High temperature or severe headache
- Vomiting, stiff neck, aches or rapid breathing
- Sensitivity to light
- Cold hands and feet
- Confusion, drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Seizures
- A rash that does not fade when pressed
In babies, warning signs may include refusing feeds, irritability, an unusual high-pitched cry, a bulging soft spot, floppiness or difficulty waking. A rash does not need to be present for meningitis to be serious.
Parents should not wait for every symptom to appear before seeking help. Power’s experience underlines the importance of paying attention to a child’s behaviour and responding when something feels significantly different.
When to seek urgent help
If a child appears seriously unwell, is difficult to wake, has breathing problems, suffers a seizure, develops a non-fading rash or shows rapidly worsening symptoms, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. If you are worried about a baby or child, contact a healthcare professional without delay.
Support for families affected by meningitis
Power praised the assistance provided by ACT for Meningitis, an Irish charity that offers awareness, education and support to people and families affected by the disease. The organisation was established in 2011 by Siobhán and Noel Carroll following the death of their four-year-old daughter, Aoibhe, from meningitis.
Support can be particularly important after hospital discharge, when families may be adjusting to follow-up appointments, neurological complications, rehabilitation and uncertainty about the future. Long-term conditions such as hydrocephalus can require continuing medical supervision.
What parents should take from Tom’s story
Power’s central message is simple: trust your instincts and act when you believe your child is unwell. Babies cannot explain their symptoms, and early signs may be subtle, especially during the first weeks of life.
That does not mean every unusual cry or fever is meningitis. It does mean that a rapid change in behaviour, feeding, alertness or physical condition deserves attention. Medical professionals can assess the situation and decide whether urgent tests or treatment are needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can meningitis occur without a rash?
Yes. A rash may not appear, and its absence does not rule out meningitis. Other symptoms and the child’s overall condition are important.
Are babies at higher risk?
Babies and young children are among the groups more vulnerable to meningitis. Symptoms in babies can include poor feeding, irritability, an unusual cry, floppiness or difficulty waking.
What is hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid in the brain that can increase pressure. It may occur as a complication of meningitis and can require treatment such as a shunt.
Conclusion: trust your instincts when a child seems seriously unwell
Tom’s recovery and progress at school offer encouragement, but his family continues to manage the lifelong effects of bacterial meningitis. Their experience is an important reminder that symptoms may develop quickly and may not initially look familiar.
For parents following Breaking News Ireland and wider health updates, the clearest takeaway is to trust your gut, seek professional advice promptly and never wait for a complete list of symptoms when a child appears seriously unwell.
