Parents heartbroken as ‘beautiful’ daughter, 5, dies just days after catching a ‘cold’
A FAMILY has been left devastated after their five year old died from what doctors mistook as a common cold.
Cathy Kassis, from Australia, had in fact been struck down with Strep A, a bacteria that can cause serious respiratory and skin infections.
But by the time they found out the true cause of her symptoms, her hard-fought battle was already over.
In the days leading up to her death, Cathy's parents took their little girl to hospital after she lost her voice and was struggling to breathe.
Cathy’s stepfather, Justin Sutton, said: "It was almost like an asthma attack or what it’s like to watch someone with emphysema trying to breathe."
But doctors sent the little one home and told her parents it was a "viral infection" and to "keep doing what we’re doing and let it run its course.”
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Days later, her mother phoned emergency services in a panic after her daughter’s lips turned blue and she kept dipping in and out of consciousness.
Justin started CPR on the little one while they waited for an ambulance.
Cathy was then flown in a medical chopper to a children's hospital, but after just over an hour of CPR, doctors said she was brain dead.
The coroner found the cause of death was Strep A.
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“It could’ve been treated with just a normal course of antibiotics,” Justin, told .
Since her death, Cathy has donated three of her organs.
Her stepfather added: “Something that’s been the worst moment of our lives … at least she was able to save three other families, which is a beautiful thing.”
Her parents want people to be aware of Strep A and for people to "trust their instincts" when something doesn’t feel right.
A to help Cathy’s family.
In most cases, Strep A bacteria causes mild illness, but it can sometimes trigger invasive Group Strep A disease.
This happens when bacteria get into the bloodstream, or other areas they shouldn't.
This can then lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
What are the symptoms?
THERE are four main signs of invasive Group A Strep to watch out for, according to the NHS.
These are:
- A fever (meaning a high temperature above 38°C)
- Severe muscle aches
- Localised muscle tenderness
- Redness at the site of a wound
The invasive version of the disease happens when the bacteria break through the body's immune defences.
This can happen if you're already feeling unwell or have an immune system that’s weakened.
Two of the most severe examples of invasive disease are necrotising fasciitis - a very rare but life-threatening infection also called ‘flesh-eating disease’ - and toxic shock syndrome.
Who is at risk?
Some people are at higher risk of contracting the invasive form.
The NHS says those people include anyone who:
- is in close contact with someone who already has it
- is over the age of 65
- is diabetic
- has heart disease or cancer
- has recently had chickenpox
- has HIV
- uses some steroids or intravenous drugs
The time of year can also be a factor. Outbreaks can be rife in late winter and early spring, but the risk remains all year round.
Source: NHS