Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in May 2017.
Oliver Durling, a Canadian boy, was simultaneously stricken with a rare disease and measles.
His mother, Natasha Durling, shared Oliver’s story on social media, describing how his symptoms baffled doctors for five days before they finally figured out the diagnosis.
Oliver’s symptoms began with vomiting and diarrhea, followed by general weakness, red eyes, high fever and sore muscles.
By the fourth day, Oliver’s condition worsened. He had stopped eating and drinking and wouldn’t get up. A rash appeared on his face and neck.
After taking him to the hospital, it was suspected that he might have measles, so he was quarantined. However, his vaccinations were up to date, and he didn’t have white spots in his mouth which are typical when measles is present. His rash was also not consistent with the disease.
Photo credit: Pixabay
, Natasha Durling via Daily Mail
“[Despite] his high fever, rash, dehydration and being in absolute agony, he [was] sent home, and I was instructed to give him Tylenol and Benadryl, and if he gets worse to bring him back,” Natasha wrote.
By the following day, Oliver was “covered from head to toe” in the worst rash she had ever seen. His fever remained high despite medication and his swollen lips started cracking and bleeding, she explained.
