Jax passed away on December 1st.
The family of Jax Albert Jefferys has paid a moving tribute to the late 5-year-old.
The schoolboy from Waterlooville in Hampshire died on December 1st.
Jax tragically died after contracting Strep A in December, BBC reports.
His family sought medical attention three times before Jax’s untimely death.
They initially thought he had the flu, but his condition worsened.
In a moving statement, his family praised the hospital staff who cared for their son in his final hours.
“Our darling son Jax Albert Jefferys sadly passed away at the age of five on the 1st of December.
“Only after his death was it confirmed that the cause was the Strep A virus.
“We had sought medical advice on three occasions during the four days leading up to his death and were told that he was suffering from influenza A, we then followed the recommended course of action; to administer a proprietary paracetamol-based medication in the prescribed dosage.
“On the fourth day, Jax’s condition deteriorated so much that we rushed him to hospital and by 10 o’clock on the Thursday evening of the 1st December he had passed away. We would dearly like to express our deepest thanks to all the hospital staff who did their utmost to save Jax.
“We sincerely ask that people respect our privacy at this time as we try to come to terms with our loss.”
Parents have been urged to look out for Strep A symptoms in children.
They include:
- A fever
- A rash
- Sore throat
- Flushed cheeks
- Swollen tongue
Parents should also look out for a rash in the creases of joints and over their child’s stomach.
The rash typically feels rough, like sandpaper.
A child’s tongue may be covered in a white coating, which will eventually peel. The tongue will then appear red and swollen, this is often called ‘strawberry tongue’.
The HPSC has reassured parents that scarlet fever is not usually serious. It is a mild infection with few complications, but some children may experience more serious symptoms.
Rare complications include pneumonia, kidney, and heart damage.
However, scarlet fever can be treated with antibiotics and this will help prevent these complications.
Feature Image: Jeffreys Family
