London family thanks doctors for saving baby's life after 7-week battle with Strep A

A London family has thanked doctors for saving their daughter’s life after she spent seven weeks in hospital battling Strep A.

Sofia Brooks, then aged 17 months, contracted the illness in February 2023 and initially developed symptoms of a cold.

A few days later, she wasn’t bearing weight on her legs, her fever had increased and she was experiencing slightly raspy breathing.

Sofia’s family took her to A&E at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital where she was given IV antibiotics. Her condition continued to deteriorate to the point where she was barely able to remain conscious, and her body was completely swollen and covered in rashes.

She went on to spend seven weeks in hospital under the care of doctors. During this time, her infected hip joint was operated on four times and she received six general anaesthetics.

Sofia’s mum, Nikki Borkovic, 34, said: “We know we are the lucky ones...The symptoms can change and deteriorate very quickly - so trust your instincts and seek help if something doesn’t feel right. Ask the question, could it be strep A?’

“We also want to say a big thank you to everyone at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, who helped save our daughter’s life. The decisive action by doctors in A&E to treat for invasive group A Strep means that our little girl was well enough to walk down the aisle at our wedding this summer, although there is a chance she may need further surgery in the future.”

Strep A bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to serious and deadly diseases. They include scarlet fever, strep throat and the skin infection impetigo.

Symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a “sandpapery” feel. Online NHS information suggests Strep A infections such as scarlet fever can be treated with the antibiotics penicillin and amoxicillin.

While the vast majority of Strep A infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause serious and life-threatening invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.

Last year, the UK saw a surge in Strep A infections partially driven by a lack of immunity among children due to successive Covid lockdowns.

The family have since launched a fundraising campaign to raise awareness for Strep A and support other families affected. Half of the money raised will go to CW+, the Trust’s official charity.