Man Dies From Rare Seawater Infection After Minor Cut
Phillip Maile, 65, from Worthing, and his wife Vanessa vacationed in Oludeniz, Turkey, in September. During a day trip to a waterfall, his foot slipped on a rotten wooden board and he cut himself slightly. Following the advice of a local pharmacist, he continued swimming in the sea, but after a few days, his leg began to turn black and blue.
After being rushed to the hospital, he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening infection affecting only 500 Britons annually. Surgeons attempted to contain the infection by amputating his leg above the knee, but he died of sepsis on October 13.
Charlotte, Phillip Maile’s 32-year-old daughter, described the initial scratch as minor, like a scratch. Despite receiving treatment and a waterproof bandage, the wound became excruciatingly painful and eventually infected with Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria commonly found in warm seawater.
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but deadly infection that progresses rapidly. Symptoms include bruising that spreads quickly, sweating, chills, fever, and nausea. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent amputation or death.
The Maile family has been offered a trip to Turkey by the hospital.
Symptoms of Necrotizing Fasciitis:
- Small, red bumps or bumps on the skin
- Bruising that spreads quickly
- Sweating
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
Treatment:
- Immediate medical attention
- Strong antibiotics
- Surgery to remove dead tissue
- In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.