He only complained of a armpit pain, and yet, a few hours later, Jaxon, 4, “died following lightning meningitis. This drama, which occurred in mid-February in the United Kingdom, illustrates the brutality of the meningitis, an infection that progresses quickly and can be fatal in a few hours. Discover the symptoms and the precautions to be taken with Kierzek, medical director of True Medical.
A trivial evil that turns into a nightmare
Back from a family stay in Blackpool, Jaxon begins to feel discomfort under the armpit. Nothing alarming a priori, until his mother notices a rash on her body during the night. First thinking of a chickenpox, it is not too worried. But very quickly, the little boy’s state deteriorates suddenly: he vomits, his mouth and his tongue swell, and his breathing becomes difficult.
Faced with the emergency, his parents place him in PLS (lateral security position) and call for help. Once taken care of, Jaxon is transported to Rotherham hospital. This is when the diagnosis fell: invasive meningococcal meningitis. Arrived at the hospital, the little boy’s heart stops the first time, but the doctors manage to revive him. It is then placed in an artificial coma. While it was to be transferred to a more specialized pediatric hospital, the child succumbs to the infection. “”It still doesn’t seem real. He was fine all weekend and in a few hours he left. There was no symptom of meningitis“, Testifies his mother, still in shock.
Meningitis, a silent threat
Meningococcal meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often of bacterial origin. Its symptoms can be misleading, which complicates its early diagnosis. According to Dr. Kierzek, meningitis generally manifests by:
- High fever (more than 38 ° C);
- Intense headaches;
- Stiff neck;
- Vomiting;
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia);
- Unusual drowsiness or difficulty awakening;
- Irritability or confusion;
- Nausea;
- Loss of appetite;
- Skin eruptions not disappearing under pressure (purpura).
meningitis symptoms
“”These symptoms can worsen quickly. If the child has a combination of these signs, in particular a high fever associated with violent headaches and a stiff neck, consult a doctor immediately or call the 15 “he recommends.
A disturbing resurgence in France
According to the Regional Health Agency (ARS), the 2024-2025 season saw an increase in invasive meningitis cases in France, with 615 cases identified in 2024, the largest number since 2010. 50 deaths have been recorded between July 2024 and January 2025.
Faced with this threat, health authorities have strengthened compulsory vaccination:
- Since January 1, 2025, vaccination against meningococcus B has become compulsory for all infants.
- The Acwy tetravalent vaccine now replaces that against meningococcus C for babies.
- Among adolescents aged 11 to 14, ACWY vaccination catch -up is now recommended, regardless of their previous vaccination status.
Vaccination as a precaution
Dr. Gérald Kierzek recalls the vaccination patterns.
For meningococcal meningitis B:
- First dose at 3 months;
- Second dose at 5 months;
- Reminder at 12 months.
“”This vaccination was previously recommended but becomes compulsory due to the increase in cases“, Specifies our expert.
For meningococcal meningitis acwy:
- First dose at 6 months (Nimenrix vaccine);
- Reminder at 12 months (Nimenrix or Menquadfi);
- For adolescents (11-14 years old), a single dose is recommended, with a possible catch-up up to 24 years.
“”Vaccination against acwy meningococcal replaces that against meningococcus C, compulsory since 2018“”
Dr. Gérald Kierzek recalls that “Vaccination is recommended for people aged 15 to 24, but also for immunocompromised people or exposed to specific risks (travel in endemic areas, contacts with an invasive infection) “.