A 'kind' schoolboy has tragically died from a flesh eating bacteria which was reportedly sparked by twisting his ankle running on a treadmill.
The Mirror reports that Jesse Brown, 11, from Florida, US, was an active youngster but his health quickly went downhill after he suffered an ankle injury whilst on a treadmill only a few weeks ago.
His cousin, Megan Brown, said that several days after the injury his mum was shocked to see his leg had gone “splotchy, purple, red” and bruised up.
The teen was then rushed to hospital where doctors diagnosed him with Strep A. His family say the infection then developed into a flesh-eating bacteria which eventually swelled Jesse's brain and he died just days later.
Speaking to Fox35, Megan said: "They said that because he rolled his ankle, that’s likely where the infection attacked it. Because it was already weak.
"For this to kill him in just a matter of days was crazy. If there was more awareness, maybe we could have caught it earlier when we noticed he had a fever."
Dr Candice Jones, a paediatrician, claims that most cases of Strep A are not severe, but it can still lead to a secondary flesh-eating infection. She says the symptoms to look out for are redness and swelling, as well as a fever and an unpleasant smell.
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”. He said: "The bottom line here is that first properly clean the wound and then be able to watch it over time."
Following Jesse's passing, a memorial fundraiser has been set up by his school. The page read: "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. 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."
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