15 August 2013

SERIOUS BLOOD INFECTION - Girl, 13, dies from serious blood infection while on holiday with her family

















Girl, 13, dies from serious blood infection while on holiday with her family


  • -  Sarah Port died shortly after contracting streptococcal septicaemia
  • -  Her school paid tribute to her calling her 'cheerful' and 'well-liked'


Tributes have been paid to a schoolgirl who died suddenly on a family holiday after contracting a serious blood infection.
Sarah Port, 13, is believed to have fallen ill during the trip and died a short time later from streptococcal septicaemia.

Sarah, who was a year eight pupil at Bradley Stoke Community School in Bristol, has been described as ‘cheerful’ and ‘lovely’ girl.


Tragic loss: Sarah was described as a 'lovely' and 'cheerful' girl who was a keen sportswoman and enjoyed every aspect of school life
Tragic loss: Sarah was described as a 'lovely' and 'cheerful' girl who was a keen sportswoman and enjoyed every aspect of school life


Friends are said to be planning to set up a memorial in her name ahead of her funeral which will be later this week.

STREPTOCOCCAL SEPTICAEMIA:

  • There are 20 different kinds of streptococcal bacteria. 
  • Each different variety is identified by a different letter of the alphabet.
  • They can often be found as part of the normal bacteria in a body without causing any illness or symptoms.
  • Streptococcal A and B are the forms that affect humans and work by contaminating the blood and tissue.
  • Streptococcal A is most often caused by a cut or a graze that allows the bacteria to enter the bloodstream directly.
  • It is more invasive and can affect anyone, but the very young and the elderly are most at risk. 
  • Streptococcal B mostly affects newborns whose immune systems have not had a chance to fully develop.
A statement released by the school said: ‘We are deeply saddened and shocked to have to announce the sudden death of Sarah Port who was in tutor group 8G. 

‘She died whilst on holiday with her family from streptococcal septicaemia. 

‘The thoughts and prayers of the whole school community are with her family and friends at this time of tragic loss and grief.

‘Sarah was a lovely, kind, well-liked and cheerful student. She was lively and fully engaged in the academic and community aspects of school life. 

‘Sarah had a special love of the sporting and active opportunities offered by school and was keen to volunteer and get involved.

‘She represented school at netball and had recently extended her love of the water by going on a school trip to Spain in July, where she enjoyed sailing, snorkelling and other water sports.

‘Sarah will be missed enormously by her friends, fellow students and all the staff at school.

‘A memorial and an opportunity to pay tribute to Sarah will be planned, alongside her family and friends, on our return to school in September. In the meantime please think of her family and close friends as the funeral is planned for later this week.

‘There will only be family flowers and so the school community will make a donation in Sarah's memory once the details of this are known.’

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