Violet Herdman British woman who died of whooping cough was five weeks old Date of Birth: 26.03.2014 Country: Great Britain

1. Violet's Story
2. Struggling for Breath
3. Pneumonia and Sepsis
4. Untimely Death
5. Emma Sharp's Heartbreak
6. Failed Vaccination
7. Irwin Mitchell Investigation

Violet's Story

On March 26, 2014, Violet Herdman was born prematurely at 33 weeks in Northumberland, England. Despite minor feeding issues, she was discharged from the hospital after 10 days.

Struggling for Breath

Weeks later, Violet's parents grew concerned as she struggled to eat and breathe. On April 27, 2014, Violet was admitted to North Tyneside Hospital with a suspected chest infection. Her condition initially improved, but the following day, her mother, Emma Sharp, performed CPR on Violet.

Pneumonia and Sepsis

Doctors diagnosed Violet with pneumonia and transferred her to Newcastle's children's hospital, where she was placed on a ventilator. Upon suffering a cardiac arrest, her parents were informed that she had contracted sepsis.

Untimely Death

After testing positive for whooping cough, doctors administered antibiotics and sedatives, but Violet's condition deteriorated. Her heartbroken parents agreed to disconnect her from life support, and she was baptized in the hospital.

Emma Sharp's Heartbreak

Emma Sharp, who had four other children, said, "Violet's death has shattered our family, and every day feels like a struggle now. It breaks my heart that she only spent two weeks at home, and I can't bear to think of all the milestones she'll never reach."

Failed Vaccination

In 2012, the UK began a vaccination campaign in response to a whooping cough outbreak and multiple infant deaths. Violet's mother claims she was unaware of the vaccine available to pregnant women. She added, "I find it unbelievable that all pregnant women should be vaccinated. I've since researched whooping cough and discovered that the best time for it is between 28 and 32 weeks. Violet was born at 33 weeks, so I can't understand how I slipped through the net."

Irwin Mitchell Investigation

Irwin Mitchell law firm launched an investigation into Violet's death. Coroner Michelle Armstrong stated, "This is a tragic case, and Violet's parents have been left devastated by her death. Her death was caused by organ failure and a chest infection caused by whooping cough. We are now launching an inquest to examine why Emma was not offered the vaccine during her pregnancy, and also why Violet's symptoms of coughing and breathing difficulties were not recognized quickly enough as whooping cough, which could have enabled her to receive timely treatment."