Tragedy as 4yo dies from rare bacterial disease after Drs said it was gastro

“If anyone has any doubt about their children, just take them to the hospital as soon as you can,” Gold Coast parents Allie and Trey pleaded. 

A family from the Gold Coast is in mourning after their four-year-old daughter died from a rare bacterial illness.

Norah Rae Tutukaa Terei-Bristowe was suffering from a fever, a headache, lethargy and couldn’t stop vomiting. 

She was taken to the doctor in Upper Coomera, Queensland, where the medical professional initially thought she had gastroenteritis. 

They were relieved by the news and took their daughter home. 

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Norah Rae was rushed to hospital after an initial gastro diagnosis. Source: Facebook

Doctors thought 4yo’s symptoms were gastro

But her health rapidly declined over the weekend, and the symptoms worsened. After waking up on Monday, she became limp and unresponsive, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. 

Her mum and dad, Allie and Trey, rushed their daughter to the Gold Coast University Hospital. 

There doctors treated her with antibiotics - she had a rare case of bacterial pneumococcal meningitis. 

Devastatingly, she passed away on 30 August. 

Their four-year-old was described by Allie as “pure sunshine and laughter” and was laid to rest in a traditional Maori funeral at Allambie Gardens, surrounded by 300 guests. 

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The family is urging other parents to take their kids to the doctors if they spot unusual symptoms. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

Hospital treatment wasn’t fast enough to save 4yo

“We said goodbye to our princess on August 30, 2023,” the shattered parents shared in a statement. 

“She was surrounded by all of her family and will forever be in our hearts and we will always hold onto our memories with her and all of the laughter and joy she brought into our lives.”

They paid thanks to the medical staff and Dr Sebastian Rimpau at the Gold Coast University Hospital, who tried everything they could to save the little girl.

Allie and Trey also issued a warning to other parents and urged them to see professional help if their child is showing unusual symptoms.

“If anyone has any doubt about their children, just take them to the hospital as soon as you can,” the couple said. “When we got to the hospital, the treatment was not able to catch up to how quick it spread to her brain.”

“This rare strain of meningitis causes severe brain damage, and there isn’t any prevention or treatments that can save them.” 

A GoFundMe page has been created to support the family as they navigate the loss of their daughter. 

Bacterial pneumococcal is a relatively common disease, typically caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae germ. However, if the infection reaches the brain, it can cause meningitis, a rare and frequently fatal infection. 

Most cases of meningitis occur in children and babies under 18 months. Sadly there is no vaccine available for the rare strain that Norah contracted. 

Symptoms of meningitis include fever, rapid breathing, severe headache, a rash, lethargy and difficulty to wake, confusion or seizures.

Originally published as Tragedy as 4yo dies from rare bacterial disease after Drs said it was gastro