Boy overcoming 'super' staph infection

Link: ABC7Chicago.com

    For two and a half months Jewan fought for his life in the intensive care unit at Comer Children's Hospital. It now appears he is out of danger, and it's no surprise doctors are using the word miracle.

If you listen carefully, above the serious noise of medical equipment, is another sound that Jewan Smith is getting better. The sound of video games. Just weeks ago he was in a medically induced coma, as a nasty staph germ known as MRSA ravaged his body. His lungs were attacked by the infection and at one point were filled with some 500 holes.

"Jewan's journey through this illness and his current status in terms of his health is nothing short of miraculous," said Dr. Madelyn Kahana, pediatric anesthesiologist, University of Chicago.

Doctors believe Jewan picked up the staph infection after falling off his bike and scrapping his knee. While this more virulent strain is still rare, more cases are showing up.

Dr. Robert Daum is a pediatric infectious disease expert at University of Chicago Hospitals.

"We're incredibly excited about this case," said Daum. "His brain appears to be working very well and he's very responsive. We're delighted with how he interacts with us. He can't talk because he has a tracheotomy tube, but I told him I can't wait to hear his voice."

Doctors credit the hospital's intensive care unit where the staff used different combinations of antibiotics and some unconventional methods of ventilation to keep Jewan breathing.

Kansonia Love, Jewan's mother, never lost faith her son would live. Even though he was unresponsive, she kept talking to him and telling him Christmas was coming. On Christmas day Kansonia's prayers were answered.

"When I arrived with presents his eyes was wide open," Love said. "He was waiting, his eyes open. I was hysterical to see him with his eyes open and looking around to see what he was going to get and that was an awakening sign for me."

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