Flesh-Eating Bug Nearly Kills Man After Bahamas Trip

A New Year's trip to the Bahamas turned into a life-threatening ordeal for 62-year-old Brian Roush, who contracted a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection. Shortly after returning to Florida in early January 2026, Roush became critically ill, experiencing severe septic shock. Doctors initiated emergency surgery to remove infected tissue from his ankle and lower calf, which had become gangrenous.

Doctors initially provided Roush with a grim prognosis, estimating his survival chance at 10% or less due to his failing liver, kidneys, and lungs. He was placed on life support and in an induced coma. After a week of intensive treatment, Roush began to show signs of recovery, though his kidneys remained in failure, requiring daily dialysis.

Roush now faces a long rehabilitation process, as he suffers from severe ICU myopathy, leaving him weak and unable to use most of his limbs. His family hopes to transfer him to a rehabilitation facility near Tampa for three to six months of recovery, aiming to help him relearn to walk and use his limbs. Despite the challenges, Roush is reportedly maintaining a positive outlook.