A tragic incident in Australia has brought attention to the dangers of misdiagnosing serious infections in children. Five-year-old Cathy Kassis from Bathurst, New South Wales, passed away after doctors initially diagnosed her with a common cold. In reality, she was suffering from a severe Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infection that led to fatal sepsis.(9now.nine.com.au)
Cathy’s illness began with symptoms resembling a typical viral infection—runny nose and loss of voice. Despite multiple visits to healthcare providers, her condition was repeatedly attributed to a viral infection, and she was sent home with advice to manage it with standard care. Her stepfather, Justin Sutton, expressed growing concern as her health deteriorated, noting that she eventually struggled to breathe and became unresponsive. (ndtv.com)
On August 28, Cathy’s condition worsened significantly; her lips turned blue, and she collapsed at home. Emergency services were called, and Sutton performed CPR until paramedics arrived. She was airlifted to Westmead Children’s Hospital, where, despite medical efforts, she was declared brain dead. A subsequent throat swab confirmed that Strep A was the underlying cause of her illness. (shethepeople.tv, moneycontrol.com)
Strep A is a common bacterium that can cause mild illnesses like sore throats but can also lead to severe infections such as sepsis if not promptly treated. In Cathy’s case, early detection and treatment with antibiotics could have prevented the progression to a life-threatening condition.
In the wake of this tragedy, Cathy’s parents are advocating for increased awareness of sepsis and the importance of thorough medical evaluations when children present with persistent or worsening symptoms. They urge parents to trust their instincts and ask healthcare providers, “Could it be sepsis?” to ensure that serious conditions are not overlooked. (9now.nine.com.au)
Despite their immense loss, the family found solace in knowing that Cathy’s organ donations saved the lives of three other children, honoring her memory as a real-life superhero. (people.com)
