Ezrah died at just 19 days old due to a late-onset group B Strep infection. Sarah and Craig, their family, and friends have raised over £17,600 for Group B Strep Support by setting up a MuchLoved Tribute Page in his memory and taking on our 60 Miles in June challenge. Like so many others, they want to see all those who are pregnant being offered a test late in pregnancy and more awareness being raised to protect babies and parents from this devastating infection.
Sarah bravely shared her story with us “Ezrah became poorly very suddenly and needed to be transferred by ambulance to Bristol Children’s Hospital. He was diagnosed with sepsis and meningitis as a result of group B Strep. Ezrah had suffered a severe brain injury, and despite the tireless efforts to save him, we had to say goodbye as he took his final breaths. We are heartbroken that we have lost our little boy and our future with him.
Since losing Ezrah, I have taken the time to learn about GBS infection and can’t believe it is not routinely discussed or tested for during pregnancy. I also wish the signs and symptoms of infection in babies were discussed as part of maternity care, to help empower and inform parents to be. This information is vital for everyone, regardless of a test result as late onset group B Strep can develop regardless of IV antibiotics during labour. Babies can be exposed to group B Strep from a variety of sources after birth, including from Mum or from other people. Most babies will not develop late-onset GBS infection, though a relatively small number will, and the infection may be severe, as it tragically was in Ezrah’s case.
I’m now doing my utmost to help raise awareness of this infection. We hope Ezrah’s life was not in vain and that he can leave a legacy that will help future babies avoid such a heartbreaking fate.”
