The mum of a five-year-old boy who died after catching chickenpox has described him as a "ray of sunshine".

Joanne Rixon whose son, Christopher, died on Wednesday morning said: "He was a really special little boy. Our ray of sunshine."

Christopher, a reception pupil at King Athelstan Primary School, died at St Thomas' Hospital after catching the virus.

Pupils at the Villiers Road school were informed of Christopher's death yesterday and the school, which has emotional support staff on hand to help, sent out a letter to parents in the afternoon.

A spokesman for Kingston Council explained there was no danger to parents or other pupils.

He said: "Because this news will come as a great shock to everyone connected with the school, the school have arranged for emotional support staff to be available for children, staff and pupils receiving the news."

The London Health Protection Agency has confirmed it is examining the death of a five-year-old.

Dr Paul Crook, consultant in communicable disease control at the South West London Health Protection Unit said: "Chickenpox is a very common illness but death is an extremely rare event. This death is a very sad and rare individual reaction to the virus.

"The death of this child does not mean that this strain of chickenpox would be considered any more serious or infectious than normal and people are not at any greater risk than usual."

A parent, speaking yesterday, said: "I heard about his death from a friend of the family. There has been no information from the school, which I think is disgusting." She added: "My boy was in the same class - he was a lovely little boy, so happy."

But the school argued it had told parents as quickly as possible.

The school's acting headteacher, Emily Newton, said: "It is with great sadness that the school heard about the death of a member of our reception class.

"The school community have been informed about this tragic loss and our thoughts at this very sad time are with the child's family. School staff will, as always, be available at all times to provide support for children and their parents."

Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes a blister-like rash on the surface of the skin.

It usually appears first on the body and face, but can spread to the scalp and inside the mouth, nose and ears. To prevent spread of the infection people with chickenpox should stay away from work or school for five days after the onset of the rash.

Serious complications as a result of chickenpox are extremely rare, but can affect children with a weakened immune system.

In 2001, a four-year-old boy died in Manchester after developing pneumonia as a complication of chickenpox.

The London Health Protection Agency advises parents who think their child may have chickenpox to contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647

5:52am Friday 8th June 2007

By Hollye Blades