A five-month-old baby being treated for meningitis in western Greece is now in stable condition and out of immediate danger, hospital officials said, following an emergency air transfer from a facility on Zakynthos.

The infant remains hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital in Patras after being rushed there overnight when symptoms rapidly worsened. Doctors confirmed the child had developed severe meningococcal infection and meningitis but has since responded to treatment.

According to the child’s mother, the ordeal began on Saturday morning when the baby developed a high fever. Despite administering medication and consulting a private pediatrician, the child’s condition deteriorated within hours as a spreading rash appeared across the body.

The family sought help at a local hospital, where they claim no pediatrician was immediately available. As the child’s symptoms intensified, the parents contacted police, prompting intervention by a prosecutor. During the night, arrangements were made for an emergency airlift to a larger hospital equipped to handle critical pediatric cases.

Medical staff at the receiving hospital said the infant is being treated in isolation and has shown encouraging signs of recovery. A brain MRI came back clear, further improving the outlook.

The case has sparked an official investigation into the handling of the incident at the initial hospital. Authorities have ordered an administrative inquiry, and the pediatrician responsible for the shift has been temporarily suspended pending the outcome.

The pediatrician involved has denied wrongdoing, stating she was on sick leave and attempted to assist remotely. She also argued that the child’s condition appeared stable at the time of transfer, aside from the concerning rash.

In a statement, the local hospital said the infant was initially assessed by available medical staff and that private doctors also assisted. Based on the clinical picture, doctors decided the transfer was necessary.