A young youngster passes away due to a severe infection

Liam was barely responding by the following morning. After the Indiana family hurried him to the hospital, the doctors discovered something horrifying: aggressive bacteria had covered Liam’s brain and spinal cord.

He had become infected with an uncommon and severe infection called Haemophilus influenzae, or Hib. In addition to causing upper respiratory tract infections, it can result in meningitis and sepsis, two dangerous and potentially fatal illnesses.

The bacterium in Liam’s case swiftly progressed to meningitis, which was fatal. Ashlee told WHTR, “There was nothing they could do at that point in time.” “Anyone who gets it usually passes away in a day.” Doctors think Liam might have gotten the infection from an unvaccinated child, even though he was completely vaccinated. This is becoming more prevalent as vaccination rates in the United States fall.

Despite the name, hib is not the flu. It progressed quickly in Liam’s instance, transforming a minor headache into a deadly brain infection in a matter of hours. After doing an MRI, the doctors discovered that the bacterium had already gone too much.

According to Ashlee, “they found the amount of bacteria covering his brain and his spinal cord.” “There was nothing they could do at that point.” She went on, “I would never wish this kind of pain on my worst enemy ever.” It would have been heartbreaking to lay there with him as they removed him from life support after listening to the doctor explain, “You did everything right, but there was just nothing we could do.” And I sensed his tiny heartbeat simply fading.

As a result of her loss, Ashlee is now on a mission to encourage parents to ensure that their children are completely vaccinated against Hib and related diseases. She remarked, “There are no words to express that pain.” “I believe I failed my child because I was unable to shield him from all potential dangers.” Before the vaccination was first available in 1985, pediatrician Dr. Eric Yancy said Hib was “absolutely devastating.”

“Many of the children suffered from serious complications if it didn’t kill them in a short amount of time,” he stated. The Hib vaccination only protects those who receive it; unvaccinated people can still spread the bacterium, despite its about 95% effectiveness.

Liam is a “bright and smart young boy, full of life and potential,” according to a GoFundMe page the family created. Everyone he came into contact with felt happy and warm. In the wake of their unfathomable tragedy, the family is receiving assistance in paying for their growing medical bills thanks to the fundraising, which has so far garnered over $54,000.

Ashlee also posted a devastating video of Liam in the hospital, groaning in agony as the virus that would soon kill him tore through his body.

The family said that “he was sweet and kind.” “Everyone around him was moved by him.” Compared to the combined immunizations for measles, polio, TB, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, Hib vaccines are approximately seven times more costly.

The pentavalent vaccine, which offers protection against five deadly diseases—diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Hib—is advised by the World Health Organization. Despite this, there are significant global differences in Hib vaccination rates. In contrast to 94% in Europe, 77% worldwide, and only 33% in the Western Pacific region, 92% of people in wealthy nations had received the Hib vaccine by 2023.

The expense of Hib vaccines is a significant obstacle; they are around seven times more costly than the sum of the vaccines for polio, measles, TB, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Liam’s story serves as a devastating reminder of the issues at hand as vaccine hesitancy rises and children vaccination rates decline. Dahlberg conveys a straightforward yet crucial message: “Please vaccinate your children.” No other parent should have to endure this suffering, in my opinion.