Baby’s Death in Moldy Home

Cause of Death Determined

A baby who lived in a moldy residential association in North London died of independent causes, as a coroner found. Akram Mohammed died in February at the age of 15 weeks, which his parents believed was due to the moist conditions in their house.

Protests and Investigation

The boy’s death triggered angry protests about the condition of the family’s home and the failure to correct it. The deputy medical doctor admitted that the home was damp and moldy, but came to the conclusion that Akram actually died of Strep B, pneumonia, and vitamin-D deficiency.

Evidence and Findings

Evidence from the hearing at the St. Pancras Coroner’s Court said a pathologist stated that the mushroom growth in Akram’s lungs did not match the shape of the mold in the family’s home. The court heard that the baby’s mother had Group B Streptococcus, known as Strep B, before Akram was born and that it had not been treated, passing it on to him.

Reaction and Support

The baby’s father informed that he had accepted the knowledge of the forensic doctor. The managing director of the residential association said that their hearts go out to the family about the devastating loss of Baby Akram and that their commitment remains to offer support for the family and to find them a permanent home that meets their needs now and in the future.