JLS star Oritse Williams' young son has been rushed to hospital with suspected meningitis. The singer and his wife, Kazz, welcomed their son, Shiva, last year and had been extremely anxious about his pregnancy.
But now, the 38-year-old has revealed that the little lad has been in and out of hospital in recent weeks due to ill health. However, his most recent admission left the parents extremely worried after medical staff mentioned meningitis and sepsis. Due to his ill-health, Ortise explained that people have to be with Shiva round the clock, with Kazz suffering from anxiety after the couple have tragically endured two miscarriages.
The singer explained that Shiva is "wrapped up in cotton wool" due to being their miracle baby and any type of illness leaves the couple utterly terrified.
He said: "Yesterday he got readmitted into hospital. He's caught a viral infection, and the temperatures went to dangerous heights. They started throwing around words that really scared us, like meningitis and sepsis and stuff like that, so I literally cut out of rehearsals for the [JLS] tour."
Speaking to The Sun, he added: "I just literally got in my car, and I messaged everyone to let them know where I was, and I just dropped everything. I went to the hospital to be by my wife’s side and this week, because he’s been ill, I haven’t been able to sleep through the night at all."
The NHS states that symptoms of meningitis can display in any order, with some symptoms not appearing at all These include a rash, which may fade when pressure is applied. Other symptoms include a high temperature, cold hands and feet, vomiting, breathing quickly, muscle and joint pain, a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights and being very sleepy or difficult to wake.
Symptoms in babies also include refusing to feed, being irritable, a high-pitched cry, a stiff body or being floppy or unresponsive or a bulging soft spot on the top of their head.
JLS are due to kick off their The Club Is Alive: 2025 Hits Tour on November 6 in Glasgow, Scotland, before hitting the road and performing in cities across the United Kingdom.
Sharing the news of their pregnancy in October last year, Ortise said: "Overwhelmed with emotion, love, and awe, words can’t express how I feel about my Queen, my soulmate, my hero, and stunning Mama Kazz. Her strength, her sacrifices, and everything she’s overcome to bring us to this point leave me in absolute wonder.
"This journey has tested us in ways I can’t describe, but her courage has shown me the true depths of love and resilience. We’re embracing this sacred time together in our little family bubble. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for everyone who has stood by us and continues to surround us with true love and support. Your kindness carries us, and we are forever thankful to you."
Speaking to OK! Magazine about his newborn son just weeks later, he said: "Honestly, I'm on cloud nine. I’m in complete awe of my baby boy, he is truly a blessing and I'm proud of us." He added: "We decided to keep our pregnancy news to just close friends and family."
Reflecting on her pregnancy, Kazz said: "I suffered from anxiety throughout most of my pregnancy. I booked a private scan every week just for reassurance, up until my 20-week scan, when I started to calm down a little. I also found out I had gestational diabetes, which meant changing my diet completely. Oritsé made sure I was eating healthy food and cooked for me daily – I did miss bingeing on pizzas and ice cream though!"
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