A new mum has shared a warning after her seven-week-old son tested positive for coronavirus

Toni Rhodes, who lives in Langdon Hills, wants to make parents aware that young children can catch the disease and shared a number of warning signs she noticed in her son. 

Braintree and Witham Times:

Warning - baby Curtis is now recovering well

She took her son, Curtis, to A&E last Monday after he developed a slight cough and was sneezing. 

He had also been fatigued and his skin became mottled and one if his eyes was red and swollen.

A number of tests were taken at the hospital, including one for coronavirus, while Toni's son was given a series of antibiotic injections. 

Following the injections, Toni and her son were sent home from the hospital on Wednesday, but on Thursday Toni received a call to say the coronavirus test had returned positive. 

Taking to Facebook, Toni said: "Since being home though Curtis has improved...he is now just showing signs that I would describe as getting over the last dregs of a cold.

"His temperature is lower (35.x) and he isn't feeding at night, however as soon as he's up in the day he's back to his almost usual self. He sounds dry and conjested, pooing more than usual and is clingy but everything else ok.

"He has not needed medication since being home. We have been reassured that Curtis should be fine, however to take him back to A&E if he gets shortness of breath

"To confirm he did not have a high temperature or dry persistent cough. As we all know there is little knowledge on babies and their reactions to the virus so we want to share to make others aware what they could also be needing to look out for.

"We are also seeking support ourselves from anyone around the world to get us through such a crazy time.

"Ken and I are not showing any of the signs we are told to look out for... We would describe ourselves as feeling run down and under the weather. Main symptoms would be headache, loss of smell, backache and a slight sore throat, however all manageable without any medication and nothing to write home about.

"We are sharing our story to give parents the reassurance that babies can and will be ok. The message is intended to be positive and to raise awareness."

Toni and her partner Ken have now begun to show symptoms, but they were not tested at the same time as Curtis and won't be tested unless admitted to hospital.