A grieving family is demanding answers after their 10-year-old son died in front of them — just days after a doctor allegedly dismissed his worsening sore throat as “nothing more than a virus.” What began as what seemed like a common childhood illness turned into a nightmare that has now sparked outrage, heartbreak, and serious questions about medical negligence.
According to local reports shared by BBC News and The Independent, young Callum Jenkins from Birmingham, England, was taken to a local clinic by his parents after complaining of severe throat pain, fever, and exhaustion. The attending doctor allegedly told the family it was “just a virus” and advised rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relief.
But over the next 48 hours, Callum’s condition deteriorated rapidly. His mother, Sarah Jenkins, said her son could barely swallow and began struggling to breathe. “He kept saying, ‘Mum, it hurts too much,’” she told The Mirror. “By the second night, he was gasping for air. I called the emergency line three times, and they still told me to wait it out. They said it was viral — that it would pass.”
On the morning of his death, Callum collapsed on the living room floor as his father attempted CPR. Paramedics rushed him to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered septic shock from a severe bacterial infection — believed to have stemmed from untreated strep throat.
“10-year-old Callum begged for help days before his death. Doctor allegedly dismissed his symptoms as ‘just a virus.’” @guardian
“They told us it was a simple sore throat,” Sarah said tearfully. “But he was dying right in front of us. I trusted them. I trusted the doctor who looked me in the eye and told me he’d be fine.”
Callum’s autopsy later revealed that he had Group A Streptococcus — a bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can lead to sepsis, organ failure, and death. Health authorities have since launched an investigation into the clinic that examined him, with the NHS England confirming a full review is underway.
“No family should ever have to go through this,” said public health advocate Dr. Martin Lowe in an interview with Reuters. “A child presenting with persistent throat pain, high fever, and breathing issues should be treated as an emergency. The fact that this was dismissed as a viral infection is deeply troubling.”
Social media has erupted with outrage, with the hashtag #JusticeForCallum trending across platforms. Parents from around the world have shared similar stories of being turned away or misdiagnosed, expressing heartbreak for the Jenkins family. “This is every parent’s worst fear,” one user wrote on X. “Doctors need to listen when a mother says something isn’t right.”
“‘He was begging for help.’ Parents of 10-year-old boy who died after being misdiagnosed speak out.” @reuters
Family friends have described the boy as “bright, gentle, and full of life.” His teacher at St. David’s Primary School told Birmingham Mail, “He was one of those kids who always made others smile. He adored science, football, and drawing superheroes. None of us can believe he’s gone.”
Medical experts say the tragedy highlights a dangerous pattern of “viral dismissal” — where children’s symptoms are underestimated amid healthcare pressures. “Doctors are overwhelmed, and many cases are brushed off as viral,” explained pediatrician Dr. Alisha Patel. “But when bacterial infections are missed, the consequences can be catastrophic — especially in children.”
Sarah and her husband are now preparing legal action against the clinic, accusing the doctor of negligence and demanding stricter pediatric triage protocols. “We’re not doing this for revenge,” Sarah said. “We’re doing this so no other child dies because someone couldn’t be bothered to look deeper.”
In one particularly haunting detail, she revealed that Callum had drawn a picture of himself lying in a hospital bed just a day before he died. “He said, ‘This is me getting better, Mum,’” she recalled through tears. “He thought he’d be okay. He trusted the people who were supposed to help him.”
“This story breaks my heart. Callum’s death was preventable. How many more children need to die before change happens?” @people
In the wake of the tragedy, public health agencies are urging parents to look out for red flags when a child’s “simple” illness worsens — including persistent high fever, rash, lethargy, or rapid breathing. “Trust your instincts,” Dr. Patel said. “If you think something’s wrong, push back. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s nothing.”
As tributes pour in, the Jenkins family says they’re clinging to memories of the little boy who loved football, Pokémon, and bedtime stories. “He was our light,” his father said. “And now that light’s gone because someone couldn’t take five more minutes to care.”
Callum’s death, doctors say, serves as a devastating reminder of how even the smallest medical assumptions can have fatal consequences. For his parents, it’s a loss they’ll never recover from — and one they’re determined will never happen to another family again.