The loss of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and unfortunately, for the parents of a six-year-old girl from Cork, it became a reality. The girl died as a result of Strep A infection, a bacterial infection that can cause serious illness and even death if left untreated. Now, the grieving parents of the young girl are calling for more awareness around the infection and for other families to be spared the heartbreak that they have experienced. In this article, we will explore their story and their efforts to raise awareness about Strep A infection.
Vivienne Murphy, a 10-year-old girl from Millstreet, north Cork, died on March 1, 2019, after being infected with Streptococcus pyogenes or Strep A, a bacteria that can cause a range of infections like pharyngitis, skin infections, and invasive diseases like sepsis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis.
Vivienne had complained of a sore throat and had been feeling sick since Valentine’s Day. She developed a rash and high temperature, but three different doctors told her parents Lilly and Dermot that her illness was viral. Following a urine sample, a GP said it did not return anything concerning, but as her condition did not improve, her parents decided to take her to Cork University Hospital after they noticed “a little black mark on her right leg”. During examination, a nurse noticed some symptoms, and blood tests were carried out. The results showed that Vivienne was critically ill and that she had contracted Strep A, which had led to sepsis and shock. She was then rushed to Temple Street in Dublin, where surgeons had to cut away 17% of her body in an attempt to save her life. However, the next day, she went into cardiac arrest, which led to brain damage. An MRI scan revealed that “there was no hope”.
Vivienne’s parents are now calling for more awareness about Strep A to save other children. They want parents to be more aware of the symptoms, which include a sudden high fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches, sore throat and skin rash, and to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms are present.
Furthermore, they highlighted a concern about the lack of intensive care unit facilities for children outside of Dublin, noting that Cork is a large hospital yet has no pediatric critical care unit. They hope that sharing Vivienne’s story can help improve the healthcare system and prevent another family from going through the same trauma they experienced.
The tragedy reminded the public of the importance of seeking medical attention whenever a child’s condition manifests worrying symptoms. The case also highlighted difficulties in diagnosing Strep A, given its symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, but physicians must be diligent in considering the possibility of an infection and be informed about the best treatment procedures. Lastly, the case demonstrated the crucial role of intensive care facilities. The lack of such resources in Cork meant Vivienne had to be transferred to Dublin, which may have delayed her treatment and affected her chance of survival.
Vivienne’s parents hope that by sharing Vivienne’s story, they can encourage better awareness and create a more effective healthcare system that can detect and treat Strep A, as well as improve the facilities available to critically ill children. By doing so, they hope to prevent other families from suffering the same loss they experienced.
The devastating loss of a child is unimaginable for any parent, yet the parents of the Cork girl who died following a Strep A infection are determined to turn their tragedy into something positive. They are calling for greater awareness of this relatively uncommon but potentially deadly condition, so that no other family has to go through what they did. By sharing their story, they hope to raise awareness and, ultimately, save lives. It’s a sobering reminder that we must never take our health or that of our loved ones for granted. Early detection and timely treatment can make all the difference in the world. Let’s listen to their appeal and work together to ensure that Strep A gets the attention and awareness it deserves.
