Toddler dies from meningitis
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A toddler died of meningitis hours after being taken into intensive care for emergency treatment it emerged yesterday.
Ryan Blow, who was 19 months, died with his parents, Frank and Lisa, at his bedside after his condition rapidly worsened, despite attempts to save him.
The news follows the deaths of Sussex schoolgirls Emma Harris and Alexandra Yates, who were both five. They had contracted the type C strain of meningococcal meningitis, a deadly bacterial form.
Microbiologists at Southampton University are now awaiting the results of tests that will prove which strain of the bacteria killed Ryan, who died in Southampton General Hospital on New Year's Day.
Martin Wale, consultant in communicable disease control for Southampton and South West Hampshire, said: "He went very quickly.
"His condition worsened so rapidly that the treatment just couldn't save him.
"His illness was pretty non-specific at first, but later in the day he developed the distinctive rash which suggested meningitis.
"Then he had a fit and he was taken to hospital. "We know he had the meningococcal bacteria but we just don't know yet which sub-type it was."
The boy's family have now been treated with antibiotics to protect them against the disease.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments