A four-year-old girl who has been dubbed the ‘poorliest girl in England’ after contracting Strep A has finally come off her ventilator.
Camila Rose Burns, from Bolton in Greater Manchester, was admitted to intensive care after being hit by the infection a week ago.
Her family have said she is now breathing herself without the need for a ventilator, but that she is still ‘extremely poorly’ as she continues to fight the deadly Strep A, and is still receiving dialysis and extra oxygen as her organs recover.
Parents Dean and Kaye Burns said little Camila is also suffering the effects of sepsis, but it is not clear yet how the illness will impact her health in the long-term.
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They told Bolton News: “As you can imagine being off the ventilator is a massive improvement, but she is still extremely poorly.
“We have still not made it to the ‘safety’ of being out of intensive care.
“We are praying for her to continue to get better and for her body to recover so she can get back to playing at home with her family."
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A GoFundMe page set up by Camila’s aunt Laura Daniels has already surpassed its £2,000 goal by raising more than £21,000.
“As you may have seen in the news, my niece is currently fighting for her life in Alder Hey Children's hospital after becoming infected with Group A Streptococcus which has also led to other complications,” Daniels said.
“Dean and Kaye understandably have not and will not leave Camila's side during this absolutely heartbreaking situation.
“Due to this, there will be no income coming into the home.
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“After many people have asked, I have decided to set up this page to help them with one less thing to worry about during this nightmare.”
Nine children have died from illnesses linked to the infection since September, with the UKHSA stressing that, while still uncommon, there has been an increase in iGAS this year.
The government has assured there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating, and instead has attributed the increase to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.
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It recommends good hand and respiratory hygiene to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
There are many viruses circulating that can cause sore throats, colds and coughs, and the UKHSA notes that many of these will resolve without medical intervention.
However, parents are advised to contact NHS 111 or a GP if your child seems to be getting worse, eating less than normal, shows signs of dehydration or has a high temperature.
Parents have been told to call 999 or go to A&E if your child is having difficulty breathing, their skin, tongue or lips are blue, or if your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.
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You can find out more about the symptoms of Strep A here.
Topics: Health
Jess Hardiman