It has been a turbulent week in Emmerdale as Chloe Harris received some devastating news.
The character, played by Jessie Elland, has been through a difficult time in the fictional Yorkshire village since she had an affair with Mackenzie Boyd. Matters became more complicated when she discovered she was pregnant after the fling.
Mack has since tried to distance himself from Chloe as he rekindled his romance with Charity Dingle. However, he felt guilty this week as Chloe was struggling with the pressures of being a single parent after she gave birth to Reuben.
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Chloe had planned to move to Scotland to ease the burden and Mack bid a tearful farewell to his son. But her plans to depart were hit when Reuben was rushed to hospital with an illness.
Chloe was devastated as the doctor informed her that Reuben was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. In the show, it was referred to as a "severe condition" and the NHS warn symptoms can develop quickly.
The NHS added on its official website: "Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
"It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.
"It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves."
According to the NHS, symptoms can include:
- a high temperature (fever)
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.
The NHS advises people to seek medical help immediately if they think they have meningitis or sepsis. It added; "Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.
"Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. If you've had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again."
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