Boy Bled From Eyes After Strep A Dismissal

An inquest is underway into the tragic death of five-year-old Jax Jefferys, who succumbed to an invasive Group A Strep infection. Initially diagnosed with croup and later influenza, Jax's condition worsened over several days, prompting his mother to seek medical attention multiple times. Despite a nurse noting a rash, his symptoms were not thoroughly investigated, and he was discharged from Queen Alexandra Hospital. Hours after returning home on December 1, 2022, Jax reported leg numbness, began bleeding from his eyes and mouth, and stopped breathing. His mother administered CPR in the car en route back to A&E, but Jax was pronounced dead less than two hours later.

The hearing at Winchester Coroner's Court has heard how Jax's mother expressed concerns that she was not being listened to by medical staff. She detailed multiple instances of seeking help, including calls to 999 and 111, and visits to a GP surgery and the hospital. A nurse did observe a rash, but it was dismissed as potentially heat-related. Jax was ultimately diagnosed with influenza A upon discharge, only for later blood tests to reveal dehydration. The family is awaiting further findings from the ongoing inquest, which will include testimony from the treating medical professionals.