Strep A: Parents say son misdiagnosed before death

The family of a boy who died of an invasive form of strep A have said they sought medical help three times before he was admitted to hospital.

Jax Albert Jefferys, who attended Morelands Primary School in Waterlooville, Hampshire, died on 1 December, aged five.

His family said they were initially told he had flu.

Since September, UK Health Security Agency figures show 15 UK children have died after invasive strep A infections.

Paying tribute to their "darling son", Jax's family said they had sought medical advice on three occasions during the four days leading up to his death and were told that he was suffering with influenza A.

"We then followed the recommended course of action: to administer a proprietary paracetamol-based medication in the prescribed dosage," they said in a statement.

However, they said on the fourth day Jax's condition "deteriorated so much" they "rushed him to hospital" and he later died.

"Only after his death was it confirmed that the cause was [strep A]," the family said.

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Source: BBC News, 14 December 2022