The family of a young child who tragically passed away recently is urging parents to be vigilant about the risks associated with tick bites, hoping to prevent similar heartbreak for others. Two-year-old Ella Thompson succumbed to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a serious infection transmitted through ticks, just eight days after she first showed symptoms. Despite their immense grief, the family is determined to share Ella’s story to raise awareness about this potentially deadly illness.
“If we can save even one child’s life, we will have succeeded,” says Ella’s aunt, Sarah Johnson. “Her mother, Lily, is devastated. Spreading awareness has become a way for us to cope.”
According to reports, blood tests confirmed the diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever days after Ella’s passing, though initial evaluations led doctors to believe she had strep throat. “Ella developed a high fever and other symptoms shortly afterward,” explains Dr. Mark Stevens, a pediatric infectious disease specialist who treated her.
When Ella was first taken to the emergency room with a fever of 103.8 degrees, she was prescribed amoxicillin along with fluids and rest. However, when she returned the next day with a temperature of 104 degrees, a strep test came back positive. “They gave her the same treatment and told Lily to keep her hydrated,” Sarah recounts.
As Ella’s condition worsened over the next few days, her family became increasingly anxious. Eventually, she was admitted to Riley Children’s Hospital, where her condition deteriorated rapidly. “She went completely limp in the car,” Sarah remembers.
At the hospital, doctors changed Ella’s antibiotics, and it was then that they noticed red spots on her arms and legs, a sign of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Unfortunately, by the time they recognized the severity of her condition, it was too late.
Reflecting on Ella’s outdoor activities, the family acknowledges that she had spent considerable time outside, including recent camping trips. Dr. Emily Rogers, a medical epidemiologist at the CDC, notes that the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be ambiguous and challenging to diagnose early on.
Symptoms to Watch For
The CDC lists the following symptoms to watch for:
- Fever
- Rash (may appear 2-5 days after fever onset)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain (which can mimic appendicitis)
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
Early diagnosis is crucial to preventing fatalities from this disease. If your child has been outdoors and exhibits any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Ella’s family is sharing her story to help protect other families from experiencing similar loss.
If you’re interested in supporting the family, a GoFundMe page has been established in Ella’s memory. Additionally, a celebration of her life is scheduled at Hazelwood Christian Church in Clayton, Indiana. For more information on related topics, check out this post on home insemination kits that provides valuable insights into family planning. You might also find this article helpful for understanding the broader context of family and health. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is excellent.
In summary, the tragic loss of Ella Thompson to Rocky Mountain spotted fever has prompted her family to advocate for greater awareness about tick-borne illnesses, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.