What began as ordinary neck pain for a vibrant eight-year-old girl rapidly escalated into a life-or-death battle against sepsis, leaving her family with an urgent warning for all parents.
Jessica Breeze, described by her family as a "perfectly healthy" schoolgirl, first complained of discomfort in her neck. Within hours, her condition deteriorated so dramatically that she was fighting for her life in hospital.
The Rapid Descent
"It started with just a sore neck, something we all get from time to time," her mother recalled. "But within hours, she developed a high fever and became increasingly lethargic. That's when we knew something was terribly wrong."
Rushed to hospital, Jessica was diagnosed with both sepsis and meningitis - two conditions that can prove fatal if not treated immediately. Doctors revealed the young girl was suffering from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a rare but severe complication of bacterial infection.
Critical Condition
Jessica's situation became so dire that she required intubation and was placed in an induced coma in the paediatric intensive care unit. Medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilise her condition as her family faced every parent's worst nightmare.
"Seeing your child connected to all those machines, not knowing if they'll wake up - it's unbearable," her mother shared. "We kept thinking how something that started so small could become so serious so quickly."
Road to Recovery
After weeks in hospital and intensive rehabilitation, Jessica has made remarkable progress, though her recovery continues. The experience has left her family determined to raise awareness about sepsis symptoms in children.
Key Sepsis Symptoms Every Parent Should Know:
- Abnormally cold to touch
- Pale or blotchy skin
- Breathing difficulties
- Lethargy or difficulty waking
- Rash that doesn't fade under pressure
The family emphasises that sepsis is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. "Don't hesitate to seek medical help if you suspect sepsis," Jessica's mother urged. "Trust your instincts as a parent - it could save your child's life."
