Young girl hours from death miraculously survives meningococcal scare
A young girl who was hours from death after contracting meningococcal disease has thanked paramedics who saved her life in an emotional reunion.
It comes as the number of meningococcal cases in Victoria are on the rise despite free vaccinations for teenagers.
Twelve months ago, Jessica Scuteri's flu symptoms turned out to be meningococcal and without the medical team that treated her, she wouldn't be here today.
"They basically saved my life, it was really important for me and I guess closes the chapter," Jessica said.
She was in a coma for a month after her liver and kidneys had shut down, forcing the teenager to learn to walk again.
"I remember vividly Jess's parents' concern and then seeing Jess in her bed in an ultra conscious state and freezing extremities," paramedic Ben Johansen recalls.
Now 19, Jess says meeting the paramedics first on the scene has been part of the healing process.
Warmer weather is peak time for meningococcal disease and is spread by coughing, sneezing or kissing.
This year has seen a spike in cases with 75 reported in Victoria so far this year, a significant increase from previous years.
Teenagers aged 15 to 19 can access free vaccines at their local doctor until December.
