Five-year-old Janessa Robinson is being treated for meningococcal meningitis at Children's Hospital in Seattle.

Video: Girl Faces Long Fight Against Rare Disease

Doctors say Janessa will likely have to have her hands and feet amputated. She's expected to undergo surgery Wednesday to remove some dead skin, but the amputations will have to wait until her condition stabilizes.

MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS Meningococcal Disease Info From C.D.C. National Meningitis Association Information From The World Health Organization

Her battle to survive will keep her hospitalized for six months to a year, doctors say.

The symptoms of meningococcal meningitis are wide-ranging. They include a high fever, headache and stiff neck. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take 1 to 2 days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness.

Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early enough.

People wanting to make a donation to help Janessa's family with medical expenses can contact a branch of Wells Fargo bank and ask about the House of David Trust for Janessa Robinson.