Love Island star Chloe Crowhurst has revealed her eight-month-old daughter has Strep A as at least 19 children have died from the infection.
It was confirmed this week that three more children have lost their lives to strep A, bringing the total to just under 20 children from across the UK.
The infection involves a common type of bacteria, but while most strep A cases are mild and easily treated, some are more serious.
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Crowhurst took to Instagram to share her own experience with Strep A following the arrival of her daughter, Aria, earlier this year.
In a post to her Story today (16 December), the mum wrote: "My baby girl has the dreaded Strep A. I honestly have the symptoms saved in my phone and have read lots of info on this because I was so worried like most mummies are.
"I feel like the symptoms vary so much in each individual, so I'm going to share Aria's with you. They are not just the textbook symptoms! I honestly went to the doctor because her face looks so bad, didn't expect it to be Strep."
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Crowhurst went on to say that while her daughter's illness 'breaks [her] heart', she assured the young girl is 'doing just fine'.
"We know our babies better than anyone. Always get them checked if you're worried!," she added.
The former Love Islander listed the symptoms that Aria had experienced after coming down with the infection, saying she'd had sores on her chin that have 'now become infected', as well as a rash all over her body and spots on her throat.
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She said the baby was 'completely not herself' and described her as 'clingy', adding that she was 'randomly crying [and] she also wouldn't sleep at night."
Crowhurst shared another update a few hours later showing Aria playing with a toy and assuring that she had 'perked up a lot'.
The NHS explains that flu-like symptoms, a rash, sores, vomiting and muscle aches are all symptoms of strep A, which can be treated with antibiotics.
The health service advises parents to 'trust your instincts' if your child is unwell, adding: "If your child does not seem to be seriously ill, you can usually look after them at home. They should feel better in a few days.
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"If they're uncomfortable, you can give them children's paracetamol or children's ibuprofen. Check the leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child and to see how much to give them.
"A pharmacist can give you advice about how to ease your child's symptoms and whether you need to see a doctor."
Topics: Love Island, Celebrity, Health, Parenting
Emily Brown