A MOTHER is warning parents of the signs and symptoms of meningitis after she nearly lost her son to the deadly condition last week.

Milla Dawson, 34, of Shipton Street, Clifton, said the last ten days have been hell - her two-year-old son Otis developed meningitis and has been in York District Hospital for more than a week.

Although now back at home Milla said Otis is still unwell and reeling from the shock of being so poorly.

Milla first realised Otis was ill one afternoon.

He had no rash but was showing signs of fever and sickness. She followed instructions from the emergency doctors but the following morning she took him by ambulance to hospital because he hadn't improved and he was limp and very pale.

By 11am he was on a ward and a rash had appeared - the predominant sign of meningitis.

She said: "It was absolutely terrifying - I thought I was going to lose him.

"At first I felt like I was being a neurotic mother, but I just knew there was something wrong with my son. If I hadn't persevered and eventually taken him to hospital I might not have spotted the rash until too late."

Milla now wants parents to be reminded of the signs and symptoms of the condition and to encourage them to seek help if they have any suspicions that there child might have it.

She added: "Parents know best and if you feel that something is not normal with your child you must get professional help. The signs that Otis had meningitis were not clear, but I just knew in my heart that his illness wasn't normal. I know what he's like if he's just a bit poorly. This was just different and I'm so thankful I followed my instincts."

Meningitis warning signs to look out for, not necessarily in this order, include severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, fever and vomiting, drowsiness and rash.

For more advice contact the Meningitis Research Foundation 24-hour helpline on 0808 8003344.

Updated: 11:53 Monday, July 02, 2001