An 11-year-old boy died from a dangerous flesh-eating bacterial infection after an ankle injury on a treadmill.
Jesse Brown, age 11, who lived with his parents in Winter Park, Florida, died less than two weeks after physicians diagnosed him with Group A Strep or iGAS, a rare and fatal infection.
The death of young Brown occurred just after a CDC report revealed an increase in the number of youngsters infected with Group A Strep in the United States.
On January 16, Brown, who enjoyed riding motorcycles and competed in numerous BMX and motocross events, hurt his ankle on a treadmill.
On January 22, approximately five days later, his parents reported that he woke up with a strange rash on his thigh. They reported that he was covered with purple and red bruises. Within a few days, physicians informed them that their loved one’s organs were failing.
Brown was hospitalized, and doctors determined he had contracted the fatal infection. The flesh-eating bacteria also caused the boy’s brain to enlarge.
Brown passed away on January 27 following intubation.
According to the CDC, between 14,000 and 25,000 instances of Group A Strep infection are confirmed annually, with between 1,500 to 2,500 fatalities.
This month, the CDC reported an increase in iGAS infections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of infections decreased dramatically, said the study, possibly due to social isolation and lockdown measures. However, based on confirmed cases in 2022, the number of infections reached pre-pandemic levels.
Dr. Todd Husty, medical director of Seminole County, stated that if the symptoms encountered are more severe than those of a sprained ankle or a wound, one should seek medical treatment immediately and have the wound examined, especially if the symptoms include a fever.
According to the CDC, warning indications include extreme pain, fever, a rapidly spreading swollen or red area, a change in skin color, and dizziness.
