Health experts baffled as twins hit by meningitis three times

TWO eight-year-old twin girls have left experts baffled about why they are so susceptible to meningitis – after beating the infection three times between them.

Sisters Helen and Georgia Tomlinson have both fallen ill to the potentially fatal brain disease but managed to come out of it smiling. Now experts are investigating why the girls have suffered from the disease so often.

The twins' mother, Sarah Tomlinson, from Yeadon, near Leeds, said: "It's really unusual. There's a problem with their immune system but nobody knows why."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She is also warning other parents about the disease – especially the mistaken belief symptoms always include a rash.

Helen was 14 months old when she became ill but because she did not have a rash, her mother had no idea it could be meningitis – red or brown pin prick marks may become larger blotches

After a few days Helen started to recover.

Seven months later, Georgia too became ill. Again, her parents did not suspect meningitis. But, as she had a high temperature they took her to hospital where she was diagnosed.

Georgia also made a good recovery and the twins were put on antibiotics as a precaution.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The illness struck again 18 months later, when Georgia was nearly four. Treated for meningitis straight away, the episode was less severe.

The twins, now eight, are still tested by an immunologist at Leeds General Infirmary to try to find any genetic reasons why they are so susceptible.

A spokesman for the Meningitis Trust said: "It is very unusual to have more than one case in a family, especially at months apart. Many different bacteria and viruses can cause meningitis, so although it is rare to get it more than once, it can happen. We urge everyone to always be aware of the signs and symptoms and don't wait for a rash to appear – as that may appear late or not at all".