Christchurch toddler loses hearing after meningitis as mum urges parents to trust their instincts
A Christchurch mother is sharing her story after her toddler suffered permanent hearing loss due to undiagnosed bacterial meningitis and sepsis. She emphasizes the importance of parents trusting their instincts when medical professionals initially misdiagnose symptoms.
Why it matters
It highlights the critical role of parental advocacy in pediatric healthcare and the rapid progression of life-threatening infections.
A Christchurch mother is urging parents to trust their instincts after her 14 month old son Jack became seriously ill with bacterial meningitis and sepsis, leaving him permanently deaf in both ears.
Sammy Kennedy said Jack had been healthy before becoming seriously unwell following several days of fever and vomiting.
His breathing became heavy and fast, he was extremely lethargic and increasingly difficult to wake.
Kennedy said there was no rash and his temperature was about 38.4°C. “I had never seen him like that before and knew something wasn’t right.”
Jack was seen quickly by a GP, where dehydration was initially considered as a possible reason for his condition. The family spent the day trying to get fluids into him, but when he failed to improve he was referred to Christchurch Hospital.
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