What is a febrile convulsion?

A febrile convulsion is a seizure triggered by a high fever, typically in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Most children recover without lasting effects.

How common are febrile convulsions in children?

Febrile convulsions occur in about 2-5% of children, usually between 6 months and 5 years of age. They are generally harmless, but any seizure should be evaluated by a doctor.

What should a family do if a child has a febrile convulsion?

During a febrile convulsion, place the child on their side, do not restrain them, and seek medical help if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if the child has difficulty breathing.

Rotorua family mourns Jasper Meyer, 5, after sudden death

The family of Jasper Meyer, a 5-year-old boy from Rotorua, New Zealand, is in mourning after his sudden death. According to a family spokesperson, Jasper died on Friday, July 24, 2026, after experiencing a febrile convulsion. Doctors had previously described these seizures as “febrile convulsions” and told the family it was likely he would grow out of them.

On the day of his death, there was nothing different about Jasper’s condition to indicate he was unwell. The family is now waiting for answers from medical professionals to understand what led to his sudden passing.

The local community has expressed its condolences, and a Givealittle page has been set up to support the family during this difficult time. The page describes Jasper as a “beautiful, energetic, and loving boy” who brought joy to everyone around him.

The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and await the results of an investigation into Jasper's death.