‘Miracle child’ dies from a flesh-eating infection that made his brain swell

An 11-year-old boy has died after he suffered a flesh-eating infection following an injury to his leg on a treadmill.

Jesse Brown, from Winter Park in Florida, twisted his ankle and scratched his leg, which spiraled into a deadly flesh-eating infection after he contracted Strep A.

‘His whole leg was covered in like splotchy, purply, red, almost like bruises,’ Jesse’s cousin Megan Brown told Fox 35.

Jesse, a fifth-grader, who liked to ride motocross bikes, died a few days later from the flesh-eating bacteria, despite being young, healthy, and active. 

The young motocross enthusiast was described as a ‘miracle baby’ because his parents were told they would be unable to have children.

Jesse Brown, from Winter Park in Florida, twisted his ankle and scratched his leg, which spiraled into a deadly flesh-eating infection after he contracted Strep A

After the treadmill injury, when his parents saw that Jesse’s leg was covered in dark red and purple splotches, he was immediately admitted to the local ICU.

A doctor diagnosed the 11-year-old with Strep A. The infection caused the young body’s brain to swell.

Despite best efforts of medical professionals, Jesse was unable to be saved. 

Infections caused by Strep A can range from minor illnesses to serious and deadly diseases. While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause an illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.

Around 14,000 to 25,000 cases of Strep A are recorded each year in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Between 1,500 and 2,300 die from the bacterial infection each year.

Jesse’s cousin Meghan Brown told Fox 35: ‘They said that because he rolled his ankle, that that’s likely where the infection attacked it. Because it was already weak.’

She added: ‘In my mind, I was in complete disbelief. I was like, he’ll be fine. This could never happen to our family. 

‘For this to kill him in just a matter of days was crazy.’

A GoFundMe page has since been set up by Jesse Brown’s cousin Megan. Already raising almost $30,000, Brown wrote the money will go towards Jesse’s memorial service and hospital bills. 

Brown wrote: ‘Only 11 years old, Jesse was a completely happy and healthy boy, destined for great things. His passion was dirt bike racing and he also participated in Muay Thai. He was racing BMX bikes by the time he was three years old.

The young motocross enthusiast was described as a ‘miracle baby’ because his parents were told they would be unable to have children.

‘Everyone who met Jesse loved him. He was hilarious, his laugh was contagious, and he just lit up the room.

‘His parents, Betsy and Brad, gave everything to this boy. Their entire lives revolved around him. He was spoiled rotten, but who wouldn’t do that for their miracle baby.’

Jesse’s school, Lakemont Elementary, gathered to remember their pupil.

They also set up a memorial page to remember Jesse, saying: 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.’

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What are the symptoms of Strep A? How does it spread? And is it the same as scarlet fever? Everything you need to know about the killer bug sweeping Britain 

What is Strep A?

Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep or Strep A) bacteria can cause many different infections.

The bacteria are commonly found in the throat and on the skin, and some people have no symptoms.

Infections caused by Strep A range from minor illnesses to serious and deadly diseases.

They include the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat.

While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause an illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.

What is invasive Group A Streptococcal disease?

Invasive Group A Strep disease is sometimes a life-threatening infection in which the bacteria have invaded parts of the body, such as the blood, deep muscle or lungs.

Two of the most severe, but rare, forms of invasive disease are necrotising fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Necrotising fasciitis is also known as the ‘flesh-eating disease’ and can occur if a wound gets infected.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a rapidly progressing infection causing low blood pressure/shock and damage to organs such as the kidneys, liver and lungs.

This type of toxic shock has a high death rate.

READ MAILONLINE’S FULL Q&A ON STREP A.