A 15-year-old from Sydney, Australia has recently passed away after a battle with pneumococcal meningitis and a positive COVID-19 test. Osama Suduh was admitted to Sydney’s Children’s Hospital with a severe case of the bacterial infection and was taken off of life support after a tough fight.

While he did test positive for COVID-19 upon being admitted to the hospital, it was not the reason for admission nor the cause of death. He wasn’t vaccinated for the novel coronavirus, but he was up to date with other routine childhood vaccinations.

Support and photos of the teen have been uploaded to the FaceBook page Request Dua, which was created to send prayers and love to the sick.

About Pneumococcal Meningitis

Pneumococcal meningitis is a rare, life-threatening infection that is characterized by inflammation of the meninges, which surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for causing this infection, and the majority of people will be carriers of it at some point throughout their lives. It tends to lie dormant unless it makes its way to the bloodstream and then the brain. Once this occurs, symptoms include headache, fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, drowsiness, stiff neck, confusion, irritability, seizures, blotchy skin, and rash. Prompt treatment of this infection is essential, and therapy consists of antibiotics. Without treatment, patients can face severe complications and death.

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