A toddler has been left fighting for her life after contracting a deadly condition while swimming in a lake with her family during a day out as doctors fight tirelessly to keep her alive
A two-year-old girl has been left in a critical condition after catching three dangerous strains of E. coli following a family day out at a lake.
Little Elizabeth Faircloth became seriously ill just days after swimming and boating at Keystone Lake in Oklahoma, US, in early June. What began as a fun day in the sun quickly turned into a medical emergency.
Doctors initially believed the toddler had strep throat and prescribed antibiotics – but the medication only worsened her condition, her heartbroken mum Suzanne Faircloth told US outlet KOTV. “It blows our minds because we’ve never even heard of anything like this ever happening,” Suzanne said.
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Further tests confirmed the devastating diagnosis. Elizabeth had contracted not one but three different strains of E. coli bacteria.
The infection triggered Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a rare and potentially fatal complication that can cause kidney failure, brain injury and liver damage.
“It’s a nightmare,” Suzanne said. “And it happened so fast, within like a week, we’re here.”
Doctors have since placed Elizabeth on dialysis and medically paralysed her to give her fragile body the best possible chance of recovery.
The paralysis is a temporary state induced by medication to help reduce strain on her organs.
Her aunt, Melissa Lynne, has been sharing updates online, revealing that her kidneys have been the most severely impacted.
“Although the prognosis is hopeful, it will be a very long battle to get her well again,” Melissa said. “It’s uncertain if she will ever recover 100 percent, or if there will be permanent kidney and/or brain damage.”
To make matters worse, Elizabeth has also developed a lung infection, but her care team are unable to treat it with antibiotics over fears it could worsen her already fragile state.
“They are working night and day, the staff is amazing, just to keep her stable,” her mum said.
“It kind of feels like you’re drowning and you get brief moments of air just enough to keep you alive – but there’s no end in sight.”
The family have launched a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses, raising more than $8,000 (£6.6k) of their $10,000 (£8k) target so far.
In a heartfelt message, they urged other parents to be aware of the symptoms and act fast if their children fall ill after swimming in open water.
“We just can’t imagine another child fighting for their life or parents living through this hell, when we could have warned families,” they wrote.
“Stay vigilant, parents, and get your kids in early if symptoms arise after a lake day. The faster you get your kids in, the better the odds.”
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