Aussie boy, 6, dies from scury - incredibly rare 19th-century disease

A six-year-old boy with Down syndrome died from a disease so rare it has not been prevalent in Australia for the last two centuries.

Queensland deputy state coroner Stephanie Gallagher has handed down her non-inquest findings into Connor Dean's tragic death two years ago.

Connor lost his fight for life in Brisbane's Queensland Children's Hospital on August 10, 2024 following complications related to scurvy, also known as 'sailor's disease'.

Scurvy is caused by a vitamin C deficiency and is most associated with sailors from the Renaissance and early modern period who could go for months without access to fresh fruit or vegetables.

It is now extremely rare in developed nations due to the wide availability of fresh produce. Mild cases are usually easily treated by including vitamin C in the diet but the disease can be fatal if untreated.

Aussie boy, 6, dies from scury - incredibly rare 19th-century disease

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