Mystery fever sends Aitkenvale toddler Teddy to Townsville University Hospital ICU with sepsis, blood clot

An Aitkenvale toddler admitted to ICU after presenting with a mystery fever has survived. His family say they are overwhelmed by the support they’ve received.

2-year-old Teddy was rushed to ICU with sepsis and a blood clot. This aunt Renee Abel is fundraising for his family.

An Aitkenvale toddler admitted to the ICU with a mystery fever has survived his stay in intensive care.

Teddy, 2, developed a fever in early July that raised alarms for his mother Katee Abel, prompting her to take him into the emergency department.

Renee Abel, Teddy’s aunt, said once the toddler arrived at Townsville University Hospital his health deteriorated rapidly.

“My sister is a nurse and she noticed he had a fever but it wasn’t linked to any other flu or cold symptoms,” Ms Abel said.

“She didn’t think it was that serious but when they got to the ED it escalated quickly and his health deteriorated.”

2-year-old Teddy was rushed to ICU with sepsis and a blood clot. This aunt Renee Abel is fundraising for his family.

Teddy was diagnosed with having sepsis and a blood clot in his leg, and admitted to the ICU.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control and starts damaging its own organs.

Ms Abel said she flew up to Townsville to be with her sister and brother-in-law, and decided to set up a GoFundMe to help them cover unexpected costs like hospital parking, childcare for their other two children, and medical care.

Ms Abel said the family was blown away by the generosity people showed, raising $4,298 in just four days.

Teddy with his 3-month-old sibling

“There were people donating who I hadn’t seen since high school,” she said.

“Some of Katee and Tom’s friends donated a lot, and it’s been overwhelming to see how willing people are to help someone out. I think we often forget people want to help you.”

Teddy spent 14 days in hospital, and was released to go home on Thursday, July 24.

“He’s still in a lot of pain, and can’t stand on his leg,” Ms Abel said.

“But he’s in a lot better place and its crazy to see the change from when he first went into ICU to where he is now.”

Ms Abel said the family wished to thank the staff at Townsville University Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House for their help.

“The staff were pretty incredible and they were doing everything they could,” she said.

“And the Ronald McDonald House was the best. Having somewhere to cook meals and a place to take Teddy’s two siblings provided those small bits of help that means the most during a trying time.”

The cause of Teddy’s sepsis is still unknown, but it’s suspected midge bites he received the weekend before his fever might’ve given him the infection.

Teddy’s GoFundMe: gofundme.com/f/help-baby-ted-and-support-our-little-fighter-recover

Originally published as Mystery fever sends Aitkenvale toddler Teddy to Townsville University Hospital ICU with sepsis, blood clot