Toddler is hospitalised with the 'worst chickenpox ever seen'

A mother told her son 'didn't need to see a doctor' is livid after he was hospitalised with the 'worst case of chickenpox ever seen' just days later. 

Jasper Allen spent five days in hospital with his entire body covered in red, raw, itching sores - which became severely infected.

It was so bad his mother Sarah, 36, said doctors considered contacting medical journals as they had never seen such an extreme case.

He was put on an IV drip and given antiviral medication, antibiotics and morphine to help his ravaged body fight the virus. 

 

Mrs Allen claims two days before he required emergency treatment, she was refused an appointment at her local GP surgery because a receptionist did not think the condition was severe enough to warrant a visit.

The mother-of-two is now calling on the Government to make a vaccination against the disease - currently only available to certain children on medical grounds - free for all on the NHS.

Mrs Allen, a nursery manager from St Neots, Cambridegshire, said: 'Everyone's reactions in the hospital were just complete shock over how severe it was - the doctors all wanted to come and see this worst ever case of chickenpox.

 

'There was even talk about using the pictures for a medical journal. 

'One of the paediatric nurses with 40 years' experience said she had never seen anything like it.

A spokesman for Cambridge and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said he was unable to comment upon individual patient cases.

'However in the event that a child contracts chickenpox, the NHS offers the following advice and information: Chickenpox is usually a mild illness from which most children recover on their own.

'Symptoms include a high temperature, aches and pains, and a rash of blisters. These usually pass within a week or two, and the blisters dry up and fade.

'The best treatment is to use soothing creams and/or appropriate doses of paracetamol to ease any discomfort, while keeping your child hydrated by giving them lots to drink.

'It is highly advisable that parents and carers keep a watchful eye on children who have chickenpox, as complications, although rare, can develop - especially in children who are very young, are on other medications or who may have a weakened immune system.

'If you are ever concerned about your child's health then call NHS 111 who can give advice or refer to an appropriate NHS service, including A&E if necessary.

'The CCG is not responsible for the chickenpox vaccine; this comes under the remit of Public Health England.'