17 February 2023 , 07:09
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A boy, aged 11, has tragically died after he picked up a flesh-eating infection from a twisted ankle he suffered running on a treadmill.
Jesse Brown, from Orange County, in Florida, was an active and healthy youngster but his health quickly went downhill after catching Strep A.
The Lakemont Elementary School pupil, who enjoyed riding motocross suffered an ankle injury while on a treadmill only a few weeks ago, reportedly said his cousin Megan Brown.
She said that several days after the injury his mum was shocked to see his leg had gone “splotchy, purply, red” and bruised up.
“His whole leg was covered in like splotchy, purply, red, almost like bruises,” said Megan Brown.
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His health quickly went downhill and he died shortly after being admitted to hospital (FOX35)He was rushed to hospital where doctors diagnosed him with a Strep A, but they could not save him, as flesh-eating bacteria led to Jesse’s brain swelling, and he died just days later.
"They said that because he rolled his ankle, that’s likely where the infection attacked it. Because it was already weak," Megan said, reported Fox35.
Dr Candice Jones, a pediatrician, told that most cases of Strep A are not severe, but it can still lead to a secondary flesh-eating infection.
The symptoms to look out for are redness and swelling, as well as a fever and an unpleasant smell.
"For this to kill him in just a matter of days was crazy," Megan continued. "If there was more awareness, maybe we could have caught it earlier when we noticed he had a fever."
Dr Alan Cross, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Maryland Medical Center told WESH that Strep A can cause “very rapid infection” that can make it a “toxin”.
“The bottom line here is that first properly clean the wound and then be able to watch it over time,” he said.
A memorial fundraiser has been set up by his school where he was called “kind and compassionate.
It stated: "Jesse Brown was a Lifelong Leopard here at Lakemont, starting as a sweet kindergartner and now in his fifth-grade year. While Jesse was a miracle to his parents and family, he was also a true blessing to his Lakemont Family.
"Jesse was kind and compassionate, looked out for others, adventurous, and truly an amazing friend and classmate. He also knew how to make the most of fun times with friends outside and lived life to the fullest with his BMX and dirt bike racing.
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"Jesse worked hard and had a huge heart. He was one of our patrols that worked to keep the school safe, but also worked to make sure everyone started their day with a smile. Everyone that knew Jesse has nothing but love for him."