New York: In a horrific case, an American woman who suffered from a bacterial infection after eating contaminated fish lost both arms and both legs, according to media reports. Laura Barajas, 40, of San Jose, California, contracted the infection after eating uncooked tilapia, the New York Post reports. The operation saved his life, but both arms and legs had to be amputated. “It took a toll on all of us,” Barajas’ friend Anna Messina told KRON. it’s terrible. This could have happened to any of us.
I became ill after eating fish
Messina said Barajas became ill a few days after eating fish he purchased at a local market in San Jose. He cooked the fish himself at home. “She almost lost her life,” Messina said. She was on a ventilator. He said the doctors gave him medication and put him in a coma. His fingers, feet and lower lip had turned black. He had full-blown sepsis and his kidneys were failing. His life was saved after a month-long hospital stay, but Barajas is now without arms and legs, reports said.
This bacteria is dangerous
Messina said Barajas was infected with Vibrio vulnificus – a bacterial infection that the U.S. CDC has warned about. According to the CDC, there are about 150 to 200 cases of infection each year and about one in five infected people dies – sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill. Dr. Natasha Spottiswoode, a UCSF infectious disease expert, was quoted as saying, “You can become infected with this bacteria in the following ways: you can eat something that is contaminated with it, or you can come into contact with a cut or tattoo. “ with this water.” Come into a house where this worm is.
Family is waiting for more information
Spottiswoode said the bacteria is particularly a problem for people with weakened immune systems. Messina said she and Barajas’ family are still waiting to learn more about the incident. She also set up a GoFundMe to help her friend with medical expenses. The report states that more than $20,000 has been raised so far.
