Four-Year-Old Survives Terrifying Stroke After Chickenpox Virus

A four-year-old girl is in intensive care after suffering a stroke, an event believed to be triggered by a dormant chickenpox virus. Teachers noticed Isla Parrott became unwell on January 22 and quickly alerted emergency services. She was transported to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where scans confirmed the stroke.

The stroke significantly affected the right side of Isla's body, impacting her ability to speak and stand. Although she has begun walking again, the process is exhausting and causes nausea due to her treatment. Doctors identified the dormant chickenpox virus as the likely cause, connecting it to paediatric vasculopathy which can lead to strokes in children.

Isla's parents, Kitty-Mae King and Dan Parrott, are unable to work as they care for her and her two sisters. The family has expressed disbelief at the situation, which occurred shortly before Isla's mother was also admitted to hospital. To help with mounting financial pressures, Isla's aunt, Maddie King, organized a GoFundMe campaign, noting the scarcity of support for families affected by childhood strokes.