Family shares warning after 11-year-old boy dies after injuring his ankle on treadmill

The 11-year-old died of a bacterial infection from an ankle injury he sustained while running on a treadmill. His family says that he developed a flesh eating infection after a cut on his ankle from the fall got infected. They are now speaking out about the condition and warning other parents to watch out for the signs.

11-Year-Old Boy Dies of Flesh Eating Infection 

An 11-year-old Florida boy died less than two weeks after developing a fatal group A strep flesh eating infection (iGAS), his family says. They explain that the boy, Jesse Brown, had been running on a treadmill when he tripped and fell. Not only did Jesse twist his ankle when he fell, but he also scratched it. The doctors hypothesized that there was some strep A bacteria present in the gym and that the bacteria entered the wound. From there, Jessie developed the deadly flesh eating disease. (1)

His cousin Meghan Brown said family members noticed an 11-year-old Florida boy’s leg was covered with crimson-purple bruising days after the injury. Quickly after his family admitted Jesse to the intensive care unit. The doctors diagnosed him with the flesh eating infection, and though they did their best to fight the infection, they were unsuccessful. The bacteria eventually caused his brain to swell, which killed him.

“His whole leg was covered in like splotchy, purply, red, almost like bruises,” Brown said. “They said that because he rolled his ankle, that that’s likely where the infection attacked it. Because it was already weak.”

An Otherwise Healthy Boy

Jesse was an active, healthy boy before his accident. He was an active fifth grader who rode motocross. His school says that he was an excellent student. Jesse was part of the hall patrol and was always available with a bright smile, ready to help someone in need. Hundreds of students from his school gathered together to remember Jesse. The school also created a memorial fund page to remember the young boy. On the page, they wrote:

“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.” (2)

What Is Strep A Flesh Eating Infection?

Group A-strep is the bacteria that causes strep throat. Strep A flesh eating disease is also known as Necrotizing fasciitis. These bacteria can enter the body through cuts and scrapes, burns, insect bites, puncture wounds, and surgical wounds. You can contract through blunt trauma as well, which refers to an injury that doesn’t actually break the skin. It is rare and is typically not contagious. When caught, however, it can be deadly – quickly. (3)

Read: Mother nearly dies after 13-year-old bite turns into sepsis

Signs of Flesh Eating Infection

Jesse’s family believes that, had they been more aware of the signs and symptoms of flesh eating infection, perhaps they could’ve gotten Jesse medical attention sooner. This could have potentially saved his life. This is why they are now speaking out and sharing his story, so that hopefully other people won’t suffer the way that they have. 

Early Signs and Symptoms

• A red, warm, or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly
• Severe pain, including pain beyond the area of the skin that is red, warm, or swollen
• Fever

Later Signs and Symptoms

• Ulcers, blisters, or black spots on the skin
• Changes in the color of the skin
• Pus or oozing from the infected area
• Dizziness
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Diarrhea or nausea

Anytime you or your child has a strep infection, you should take them to the doctor. Be it strep throat or otherwise. This way they can get on the necessary medications to get rid of the infection and stop it from going further. Cuts and wounds should also be kept clean and treated with a lot of care.

According to pediatricians, the United States is currently experiencing higher than normal rates of invasive strep A infections in children. This is likely another symptom of the post-COVID fall out, as children’s immune systems are underdeveloped after two years of isolation. They are warning parents to monitor their children’s health closely and to make sure they are up-to-date on all immunizations. (4)

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