UK: Inquest to begin into death of baby after MMR vaccination

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Inquest to begin into death of baby after MMR vaccination

Tuesday, December 02, 2008, 08:30

An inquest into the death of an 18-month old boy who died 10 days after

being given the controversial MMR jab will be held today.

Fisher, described as a " healthy and robust child " was discovered dead

in his cot in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire by his mother Fisher.

She and husband Fisher believe the vaccine is " implicated " in

their son's death – particularly as, according to their legal team, MMR can

cause raised temperature in children who have previously suffered fever, as

had.

In September 2005 he suffered a febrile convulsion (an attack caused by

fever), was treated at Cheltenham General Hospital and released the same day

On January 9 2006, was given his MMR vaccination and returned to his

home in Wyman's Brook. He showed symptoms of lost appetite, red eyes, and

diarrhoea before he died on January 19.

A spokesman for solicitors Withy King, representing the family said: " It is

documented that children who have experienced a febrile convulsion should be

closely monitored following their MMR vaccination as it can raise their

temperature.

" Mr and Mrs Fisher insist they were not told this when they took for

his MMR vaccination, nor were they asked about his medical history.

" After his vaccination, developed a runny nose and gradually lost his

appetite. He later developed red eyes and diarrhoea.

" Mrs Fisher made an appointment for to see his GP but he was found

dead in his cot on January 19 – the morning he was due to see the doctor.

" In the absence of any other medical explanation, 's parents maintain

that the MMR vaccine must be implicated in their son's death. "

Ten years ago research led by Dr Wakefield, a gastroenterologist at

London's Royal Free Hospital sparked fears that the combined Measles, Mumps

and Rubella (MMR) vaccine was linked to autism.

Several studies have since disproved connection but popular anxiety over

the jab " has persisted.

Last week it emerged that cases of measles had topped 1000 for the first

time in more than a decade.

Ramsay, of the Health Protection Agency, attributed the rise to the

relatively low " uptake of the MMR vaccine.

Gloucestershire Coroner Alan Crickmore will hear a day of evidence at the Shire

Hall, Gloucester, before recording a verdict.