Baby may have caught fatal infection from terrapins
A FIVE-MONTH old baby boy may have died after contracting a lethal bacterial infection from terrapins owned by a family friend, which had been handled by his father shortly before his death, an inquest heard.
Tyler Wilson was found dead and tests later discovered he had died from an acute salmonella infection, which is particularly harmful to the very young and elderly.
Parents Lindsey Wilson, 37, and Tim Lees, 34, were initially investigated on suspicion of neglect following the salmonella finding, the hearing was told.
But senior coroner Prof Paul Marks ruled at the hearing in Hull, East Yorkshire, that the child had died from natural causes on Nov 25, 2014, and the inquest was told they had been completely cleared of any blame.
In a statement read to the inquest, paediatric infectious diseases expert Prof Nigel Klein said terrapins that had been handled by Mr Lees could have been the source of the salmonella, but added the source could not be confirmed. Infants are particularly at risk of contracting salmonella and terrapin turtles commonly carry salmonella bacteria on their outer skin and shell surfaces. Tyler suffered no symptoms, but on the morning of his death he was discovered unresponsive by Ms Wilson as she went to change his nappy.
The panic-stricken parents, who have five other children, ran out of their home in west Hull screaming for help. Neighbours rushed to their aid and performed CPR in the street before ambulance crews arrived.
Speaking after the inquest, Mr Lees said: “Tyler was always happy and always smiling. He was such a lovely baby and our little monkey. He was loved by everyone.” Ms Wilson added: “He was a bonny little thing and would bounce with excitement when his brothers and sisters were around.
“He was like my best friend and I would talk to him all the time. He came at a time when his sister was fighting for her life with anaemia.
“He helped both of us get through such a difficult time. But Tyler died just as my daughter was getting better.”
Prof Marks concluded that Tyler, whose mother said had only previously suffered from a chest infection, died of natural causes and made it clear the parents were not to blame.
He told them: “I would like to extend my condolences to you at the sad loss of your son who had completed your family. This has been a heartrending story.”
After the inquest Mr Lees said the investigation had delayed Tyler’s burial.
“It was seven months before we could bury Tyler who we laid to rest the day after his first birthday,” he said. “It has been an incredibly difficult time particularly when people point fingers. It is a relief that this is finally over.”