Billie Piper is helping charities to raise awareness of the symptoms of meningitis in babies as the high season for the disease begins.

The actress – who gave birth to a baby boy almost a year ago – is one of the supporters of Meningitis in Babies Awareness Week, which runs until September 27th.

One of the main aims of the event is to ensure parents know what the symptoms of meningitis are in babies under the age of 12 months.

These young tots have a 38 times higher risk of contracting the disease than older children and adults.

"Meningitis and septicaemia are every parent’s worst nightmare," Billie says.

"It can be very difficult to spot meningitis in babies because the symptoms are even less obvious than in older children and adults," she adds.

Symptoms of meningitis in newborn babies include vomiting, a high temperature, pin prick rashes or marks, blotchy skin and breathing difficulties.

Tags: Childcare - Support & Information Services, meningitis, Meningitis in Babies Awareness Week, Meningitis Research Foundation