Devon family launches fundraising appeal after eight-month-old baby dies of rare illness linked to Covid-19
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A Devon family has launched a fundraising appeal after the death of an eight-month-old baby from a rare illness that has been linked to coronavirus.
Alexander Parsons, from Plymouth, died at the end of April at Bristol Children's Hospital after he was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, his family said.
He was admitted to Derriford Hospital at the beginning of the month after developing a high temperature, a rash, diarrhoea, sickness and a fast heart rate.
He was transferred to Bristol when his condition worsened.
Alexander's family is now desperate to spread awareness of the inflammatory condition to "prevent the heartache and suffering of any other families".
Alexander's mother, Kathryn Rowlands, said " He was quite literally the lovelist, most infectiously happy, lovely-natured baby we could ever have asked for."
Kawasaki disease mainly affects children under the age of five.
Medical experts believe up to 100 children in the UK have been affected by a similar condition, which has been linked to Covid-19.
Last month Health Secretary Matt Hancock said experts are investigating the new syndrome in children with "great urgency" but has insisted it is extremely rare.
Researchers at Imperial College London are currently investigating the characteristics of those who have been admitted to hospital with the condition.
Alexander's parents are now waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination.
Alexander's aunt, Hannah, has set up a fundraising page to raise awareness of Kawasaki disease and to help fund a memorial for him.
It has already surpassed £13,000.
WATCH: ITV West Country presenter Jonty Messer explains the symptoms parents need to look out for
Writing on the page, Hannah said: "Alexander Parsons was born on the 6th August 2019. He was the most perfect bundle of loveliness that his family had ever seen.
"He had the sweetest temperament and loved to giggle and laugh with his family. He changed our lives forever, he affected everyone he came into contact with. Never had a baby been so widely adored and loved."
While the condition can have fatal consequences, a mother from Somerset has spoken about her experience to show there is hope for those who suffer.
Alice Horler's daughter, Bonnie Crocker, spent two weeks at the Royal United Hospital in Bath following her diagnosis in 2019.
Bonnie, who is now three, made a full recovery but is believed to be one of the first children to have contracted the rare disease.
Alice, 26, from Bath, said her daughter was first treated for measles after developing four out of the five symptoms.
She was then taken to hospital when she had pimples on her tongue.
Alice said, "Parents need to know that this can be passed off as measles. But she was really struggling to breathe. Yes, it can kill, but at the same time she made a full recovery but people need to have that bit of hope."
In a warning to other parents she added, "I hope and pray she never gets it again. If your child has a rash or temperature, get it checked."
Professor Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics andChild Health, said it's important to remind parents that most children who contract the disease are "being treated well, many are going home, most haven't gone to intensive care units."
He said understanding more about this inflammatory disease could help explain why a small number of children become very ill with Covid-19.
The main symptoms of the disease are:
A high temperature that lasts for five days or more
A rash
Swollen glands in the neck
Dry, cracked lips
Red fingers or toes
Red eyes
For more information on Kawasaki disease, visit the NHS website.