A previously fit and well 44-year-old gentleman was admitted with a 3-week history of parotid swelling, malaise and feeling generally unwell. His only medical history was α-thalassaemia trait. Initial ear, nose and throat examination was unremarkable. Routine observations highlighted tachycardia, hypotension and a raised respiratory rate. Despite fluid resuscitation, his hypotension failed to resolve and he was admitted to intensive care for inotropic support. He was started on broad spectrum antibiotics and blood cultures isolated Lancefield group A Streptococcus. No obvious source of sepsis was identified. A CT scan from neck to pelvis highlighted a collection around the right tonsil, splenomegaly and widespread small volume lymphadenopathy. A right tonsillectomy, intraoral drainage of parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses and excision of an axillary lymph node were performed. With continued intravenous antibiotics and supportive measures, he recovered fully. Histology showed reactive lymphadenitis, but no cause of immunocompromise.