Australian boy, 6, dies from scurvy, a disease rare for two centuries

A six-year-old Australian boy has died from scurvy, a disease largely eradicated for two centuries, according to coroners in Brisbane. Connor Dean's death was attributed to a severe vitamin C deficiency. Dean, who had Down syndrome and a heart condition, died in August 2024 after hospitalization. His diet consisted mainly of white bread, sausage, custard, and chocolate, and supplements given by his parents contained no vitamin C. Scurvy has seen a resurgence since 2018, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. The deputy coroner publicized the case to prevent similar deaths, noting the disease historically affected sailors before vitamin C's discovery in 1933.