As baby Archie Roberts, five months, battles the deadly disease Meningococcal, his parents took to social media to share their fears for their son and to ask friends and family to pray for his recovery.

The Queensland parents, Josh Roberts and Katelyn Galea, feared for their tiny sons life.

Sharing on Facebook dad Josh wrote last Friday, “Meningococcal. You hit my son yesterday like a wrecking ball but he came straight back at you like a d11 bulldozer.

Meningococcal. You have met your match Arch is going to beat you and he is going to come out on the other side with a big smile on his face.

This is something you only read about in the paper or see in the news. You would never expect it to hit someone so healthy and so happy, a little boy who has so much going for him so much love and a little boy who has had such a big impact on the earth already and has only been here for five months. Any parents that had have had sick kids and experienced what Katelyn and I are going through at this time I feel for you.

This is one of the hardest times I have ever had to deal with. I have never ever loved something, someone with such passion and love. It doesn’t matter if you are the toughest person on this planet walking into that hospital room and seeing you like this rips me apart.

You are a strong little man Arch just keep on fighting. You will get through this.

To everyone that has sent there love and support and everyone who has came and seen him thank you so very much me and Katelyn are so so overwhelmed with the support you guys have given us. All we ask is to keep Arch in your prayers and in your thoughts he will see all u guys on the other side.

He has been taken off some of medication and is starting to function somewhat by himself which is a very positive sign. He is getting better very slow. Again Katelyn and I appreciate all your support so much. “

Mum, Katelyn, shared on Monday, “My baby is waking up!!!!!!!!! Archie, mummy and daddy couldn’t be any more prouder. You are the true definition of a fighter. I love you.”

Josh has shared in the last 24 hours that little Archie is now off life support and starting to look around and be a lot more responsive which is great news. “The bug is completely gone out of his system he just has to fight the side effects now. Keep thinking about him and keep him in your prayers he is a little trooper. A big thanks to everyone who has supported us and donated to the go fund Katelyn and I will forever be in your debt. We truly do appreciate this thanks guys so much.”

We wish little Archie lots of speedy recovery vibes. Keep fighting little man.

Related story: WARNING rise of rare strain of bacterial infection in Australia

There have been FOUR new confirmed cases of Meningococcal in South Australia this week. Three men, aged 18, 19 and 29, plus a 71-year-old woman have contracted unrelated cases of the disease and they are in a stable condition, SA Health said.

Last week we shared, health experts issue warning following concerns over an increase in the number of W strain cases of meningococcal.

Sadly recently a QLD toddler passed away from meningococcal B strain.

SYMPTOMS

The signs to look out for are: (via Meningococcal Australia)
• fever
• nausea/vomiting
• lack of energy
• tiredness/drowsiness
• confusion
• irritability or agitation
• a sore throat

Other symptoms include

•backache
•stiff or painful neck
•sensitivity to light
•twitching or convulsions

If anyone suspects meningococcal disease, they should see a doctor immediately and return if symptoms worsen.

In Australia there are vaccines available for each of the 5 main strains of the disease:

Meningococcal C – vaccine protects against meningococcal group C disease. It is recommended for all children at the age of 12 months (as part of the free National Immunisation Program). It is also suitable for teenagers and adults. Contact your GP for more information.

Meningococcal B – vaccine launched in Australia March 2014 which is available by private script from your doctor. This vaccine is not yet subsidised by the Government. For infants, the vaccine is given in four doses – at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months of age. For children over 12 months, teenagers and adults, the vaccine is given in two doses approximately 2 months apart (for the precise timing, check with your GP). Possible side effects are a mild to moderate fever (as well as a sore arm), so your doctor may recommend giving paracetamol at the same time to babies and children under 5.

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine –  is a combination vaccine and protects against groups A, C, Y and W. See your doctor for advice as this is generally recommended when travelling overseas to certain areas. This vaccine is not subsidised by the Government.

Please be aware of the symptoms.

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