7:52am Friday 8th June 2007
By Hollye Blades
The mum of a five-year-old boy who died after catching chickenpox has described him as a "ray of sunshine".
Joanne Rixon whose son, Christopher, died yesterday morning said: "He was a really special little boy. Our ray of sunshine."
Christopher, a reception pupil at King Athelstan Primary School, died at St Thomas' Hospital after catching the virus.
Pupils at the Villiers Road school were informed of Christopher's death today and the school, which has emotional support staff on hand to help, sent out a letter to parents this afternoon.
A spokesman for Kingston Council explained there was no danger to parents or other pupils.
The London Health Protection Agency has confirmed it is examining the death of a five-year-old.
Dr Paul Crook, consultant in communicable disease control at the South West London Health Protection Unit said: "Chickenpox is a very common illness but death is an extremely rare event. This death is a very sad and rare individual reaction to the virus.
"The death of this child does not mean that this strain of chickenpox would be considered any more serious or infectious than normal and people are not at any greater risk than usual."
The school's acting headteacher, Emily Newton, said: "It is with great sadness that the school heard about the death of a member of our reception class.
"The school community have been informed about this tragic loss and our thoughts at this very sad time are with the child's family. School staff will, as always, be available at all times to provide support for children and their parents."
A parent speaking this morning, said: "I heard about his death yesterday from a friend of the family. There has been no information from the school, which I think is disgusting." She added: "My boy was in the same class - he was a lovely little boy, so happy."
But the council said parents had been informed at the earliest opportunity.
A spokesman said: "The school has acted quickly and correctly, informing staff, children and parents in a controlled and factual manner at the first opportunity possible, and in conjunction with the grieving family. "The school needed to ensure the family of the deceased were ready for details to be released and that the health protection agency could prepare appropriate advice for parents and the media."
Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes a blister-like rash on the surface of the skin.
It usually appears first on the body and face, but can spread to the scalp and inside the mouth, nose and ears. To prevent spread of the infection people with chickenpox should stay away from work or school for five days after the onset of the rash.
Serious complications as a result of chickenpox are extremely rare, but can affect children with a weakened immune system.
In 2001, a four-year-old boy died in Manchester after developing pneumonia as a complication of chickenpox.
The London Health Protection Agency advises parents who think their child may have chickenpox to contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
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