Theo Emm: 3-yr-old's death from Strep A infection prompts shattered family to point out 'red flags'
WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND: The sudden death of a three-year-old boy has left his family with broken hearts. The family of Theo Emm now wants other people to be more vigilant toward their children’s health and also urges for more awareness regarding Strep A, which killed their son on February 18.
Salisbury Journal reported tha the little one was watching a cartoon on television when he fell down and breathed his last. Since Theo’s parents, Billy and Jody Emm, are reportedly still in shock, Billy’s brother, Chris Emm, has spoken about the fatal infection. He said, “I’ve spoken to my brother and Jody and they said they didn’t feel they were able to talk about this as it’s still too raw for them.”
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‘It is very rare for children to die from it’
The family member, who is a nurse in the accident and emergency department at Salisbury District Hospital, went on to explain, "Usually they would be okay about talking, but they just didn’t feel they could. They did say to me that they wanted more than anything to raise awareness and not for people to think it is a sob story to take pity on them. This kind of condition in children is often called a ‘silent killer’ and it is very rare for children to die from it. Strep A has been around for years but unless you routinely swab a child you would never find it.”
Chris also noted, “In Theo’s case, there were no symptoms. He just collapsed on the Saturday morning and died,” before mentioning that the child was a “bit lethargic” on February 17 night but “when he woke up on Saturday morning he wanted to watch the cartoons on TV so he was carried downstairs.” “Billy and Jody decided to phone 111 and while they were on the phone Theo just collapsed with a cardiac arrest,” Theo’s uncle reportedly shared.
A Wiltshire Air Ambulance emergency response team attempted to revive the boy but he could not be saved. This happened just days after the family welcomed Theo’s younger brother Oliver. “They are still trying to process what has happened but having a new child is helping a lot,” Chris added.
‘Most strep A infections are mild and easily treated’
According to National Health Service (NHS), a common group of bacteria is called strep A, and “most strep A infections are mild and easily treated, but some are more serious.” Its symptoms include sore throat, severe muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, along with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body, a rash that feels rough, and pain and swelling.
The NHS also adds: “Strep A infections are more common in children, but adults can also sometimes get them. Most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics. But rarely, the infection can cause serious problems. This is called invasive group A strep (iGAS).”