Orlando Florida. – An 11-year-old boy died just days after spraining his ankle and becoming infected with flesh-eating bacteria, family members said.

Jesse Brown, a fifth-grade student at Lakemont Elementary School in Winter Park, was injured while using a treadmill last month, his cousin Megan Brown told NBC affiliate WESH.

Megan said the family noticed the boy’s leg was covered in bruises a few days after the accident and these were the first signs of a group A strep infection.

Brown said the bacteria entered the boy’s bloodstream as diagnosed at a nearby hospital for treatment. However, he died a few days later.

The minor had to be resuscitated several times following a heart failure.

She said that before the treadmill incident, the boy was active and healthy. Jesse shone in BMX and motocross competitions, he said.

FUNDS COLLECTED TO COVER FUNERAL EXPENSES

The Orange County Public Schools Foundation established a memorial fund for Jesse to help his family with hospital and funeral costs.

The foundation said Jesse had attended Lakemont Elementary School since kindergarten and was part of the school’s security patrol.

CAUTION CDC AFTER RISE IN INFECTIONS

The CDC is studying the increase in the number of invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections in children in the United States.

GAS infections include necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

WHAT ARE FLESH-EATING BACTERIA?

There are many types of bacteria that can cause the “flesh-eating disease” called necrotizing fasciitis. Public health experts believe that group A streptococci are the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis.

SYMPTOMS OF BACTERIA

The CDC states that early symptoms of infection are:

  • Warm, red, or swollen area on the skin that spreads rapidly.
  • Severe pain, even outside the area of ​​warm, red or swollen skin.
  • Fever.

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