KHIARA Griggs could have died when she contracted a dangerous strain of meningitis in January.

Against the odds and after time in intensive care, Khiara, one, has now recovered from the meningococcal septicaemia B virus.

Khiara’s mum, Carli Griggs, 26, from Laindon, has thrown her weight behind the Meningitis Research Foundation’s awareness campaign.

The group is calling on the Government to do all it can find a vaccine against the virus.

Although there are vaccines that protect against some forms of meningitis and septicaemia, there is no jab to protect against the most common strain, the B virus, so being aware of the symptoms is vital.

Carli, a mother-of-two, said: “Khiara was fine on that day in January, but when I went in to check on her before I went to sleep, her temperature was through the roof. Khiara was dripping with sweat.

“I got her out of bed and she started vomiting everywhere and I knew something was not right.

“I took her straight to Basildon Hospital.

“There was up to a five-hour wait, and after waiting a while Khiara got really distressed so I took her home.”

Carli then noticed a purple dotty rash under her daughter’s arm.

She did the tumbler test, where a glass is pressed against the rash to see if the marks do not fade.

The spots did not disappear, so she rushed back to hospital.

Carli said: “That’s when I thought it was meningitis. We were seen by a nurse, who said it could be thrush.

“No one said it could be meningitis. I could not believe it. We were put to number six in the queue.

“We went back to the waiting room and I just cried out. I was so distressed, because she should have been seen immediately.

“We then saw another nurse who said it was probably meningococcal septicaemia B, which is one of the most serious forms of the virus.

“We should have been seen much quicker.

“There should be a separate A&E for children, because they should take priority.

“Some people might not be so lucky as me and have their child recover.

“Once we found out what it was, Khiara was taken straight to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington for further care.”

After Khiara’s seven days in intensive care, she was taken back to Basildon Hospital, where she had to learn to sit up and walk again.

An investigation has since been completed at Basildon Hospital into the care the family received and they are due to be updated on its progress.

A spokesman for Basildon Hospital said: “We always thoroughly examine any incident where there is a concern that care and treatment may not have followed normal procedures.

“We will be contacting Ms Grigg, as promised, to discuss the outcome of our investigation and what we have done.”

Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases which can strike anyone without warning, killing one in ten people who contract them.

A quarter of survivors are left with life-long effects.

Carli added: “We can fight meningitis, but too often it is mis-diagnosed and not recognised. Every second counts.”

Most children are offered vaccinations against the meningitis C strain.

Health chiefs want parents to make sure their babies are protected, while they search for a vaccine against the B strain.

Christopher Head, chief executive of the charity Meningitis Research Foundation, added: “Those who survive can struggle to come to terms with the impact of these horrific diseases which change lives forever.

“Vaccination provides peace of mind for every parent across the country.

“I appeal to the people of Basildon to sign our online petion and join the fight against meningitis and septicaemia.”

To sign the petition, go to www.meningitis.org/sign-petition WHAT TO LOOK FOR: HERE are some facts about meningitis and septicaemia: * Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that can kill in hours * Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Septicaemia is the blood poisoning form of the disease * Both can cause symptoms such as a severe headache, vomiting, high fever, stiff neck and sensitivity to light * Many people, but not all, also develop a distinctive skin rash. Symptoms can differ in babies and young children * Viral meningitis tends to appear in summer months and is generally much less severe. Most people recover fully. Initially, vague flu-like symptoms occur, with fever and muscle aches * Bacterial meningitis tends to be more severe, with a serious risk of complications and death. Any type of bacteria can cause it, but in the UK the most common types are meningococcal and pneumococcal * People who have been in close contact with someone who has bacterial meningitis may need to take antibiotics as a preventative measure * For more advice, call the Meningitis Trust’s 24-hour helpline on 0800 0281828.