Tea Boy Loses Limbs To Bacterial Meningitis

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Tea Boy Loses Limbs To Bacterial Meningitis

By KSFY Staff

A Tea family has been dealing with a parents worst nightmare. A 2 year old boy came down with a fever which quickly kept climbing. Doctors determined the boy was suffering from bacterial meningitis. An infection that has now cost the boy his arms and legs.

Just last Tuesday Sharon Coffee was watching her grandson, Austin, when he began feeling ill with a fever and a high temperature of about 101 degrees. He also had nausea and body aches and pains. Sharon told us: "About 10'o'clock he said grandma will you come lay with me and I did and he was burning up."

Just a few hours later, after Austin's mom arrived home, his temperature spiked to 104 degrees. At that point, the family took Austin to the hospital. The next morning Austin's body was covered in what looked like a large red rash and later his limbs would begin to turn black. His grandmother couldn't believe what she was seeing. "I just about fainted. I had never in my life seen how anyone can be so healthy 8 hours before and that deadly sick."

Austin has a case of bacterial meningitis. It's something that he's likely had now for over a week, since it usually lays dormant for over a week before symptoms set in. There is a vaccination for meningitis and according to the website Voices For Meningitis, not everyone gets one. Austin had to be transported to Cincinnati for treatment where Tuesday he underwent a quadruple amputation.

Austin's grandma is happy her her grandson survived, but she wants others to avoid this terrible infection.

"We just want to let him live as normal of a life as he can and we accept him the way he is, but people should be aware of what's out there."

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Monday, Nov 9 at 9:35 AM Karen wrote ...

Our prayers go out to this family. We also have a son who had this and has a daily struggle with all he does. He lost both legs and numerous muscles and digits. He is a very determined boy and does exceptional. Your son is in the best care in Cincinnati and use all the resources they have for you.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 3:36 PM Lacey Harris-Willoby wrote ...

I lost my 3yr old to Meningococcal Meningitis just about 3yrs ago. It's a horrible disease & moves quickly. I pray for this little boys family. But have to say that I hate how everyone makes it seem that this vaccine is something that is given starting at the age of 2. Yes it is approved for use at the age of 2yrs but it is not on the vaccine schedule for that age, therefore children are not getting it because parents don't know about it! It needs to be a recommended vaccine for that age.

Friday, Nov 6 at 11:01 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Thank you for the website. As a mother to a 2 year old myself, my heart breaks for this family.

Friday, Nov 6 at 7:36 PM Heart Breaking wrote ...

This is enough to make me cry. I have a 2 year old and I can't imagine this happening to him. I am definetly thinking of this little guy and the road ahead he has to travel. and pray that

Friday, Nov 6 at 8:50 AM Anonymous wrote ...

www.caringbridge.org/visit/getwellsoonaustin

Thursday, Nov 5 at 9:20 PM jessa wrote ...

this is a sad sorry, my thoughts and prayers go out to you

Thursday, Nov 5 at 12:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Is there a caringbridge site or anything set up for him to follow his progress?

Thursday, Nov 5 at 4:40 AM jme wrote ...

this kind of thing shouldn't happen to good people.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 8:42 PM Anonymous wrote ...

We are so sorry. I lost my only child, Ryan to meningitis. We are Meningitis Angels. www.meningitis-angels.org The current vaccine is approved for ages 2 years and older and CDC recommended for age 11-18. Join our face book cause at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/103719/35941843?m=6d54c0aa

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 11:25 AM Sam wrote ...

This is a terrible situation I feel extremely sorry for you. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 10:25 AM 5 year olds mom wrote ...

I tried to get my kids a meningitis vacine a couple months ago after hearing about a boy in pierre that died from it.The clinic told me they don't vaccinate until they are 13 and didn't even have a dosing schedule to give it to them...I was worried then, now I'm terrified

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 8:29 AM sd women wrote ...

well, hope he is doing good and being well in this bad condition he was in and went through.our prayers and thoughts are with the little boy and his family! we hope he makes a good and healthy recovery.!!!!

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 2:37 AM Lynn Bozof wrote ...

The National Meningitis Association would like to offer emotional support to the family. We have all been through this, with most of us having lost our children. Please contact us at www.nmaus.org.

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 12:56 AM TLL wrote ...

Hang in there Austin we are all praying for you!!!

Wednesday, Nov 4 at 12:24 AM another SD mom wrote ...

My heart goes out to this family! My son at age18 got this awful disease. (Memorial day of '07) I think it should be strongly encouraged for ALL college kids and kids that will be in daycare to have the meningitis shot!!!!

Tuesday, Nov 3 at 11:41 PM Dawn wrote ...

This is so sad.my prayers go out to the little boy and family.why a little boy?

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