Cat Bite Leads to Rare Genetic Disorder Diagnosis

A Florida woman's life took a dramatic turn on Valentine's Day 2023, beginning with an act of kindness toward stray cats. While feeding neighborhood strays, one cat named Baby bit her. Initially treated with a tetanus shot and advised to monitor the cat, concerns grew when Baby began exhibiting erratic behavior and subsequently died.

Subsequent testing revealed the cat had rabies, prompting health officials to recommend post-exposure treatment for the woman. Her first rabies vaccine injection caused her throat to swell shut, leading to immediate hospitalization. Doctors initially suspected an allergy.

However, subsequent vaccine doses triggered the same severe reaction, necessitating intubation and coma. Over three months, she was intubated eight times before a tracheostomy was placed. This pattern of reactions persisted, resulting in a total of ten months spent in the hospital.

During this prolonged hospitalization, she was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic disorder characterized by severe, recurring swelling episodes. This diagnosis came as a surprise, as she had no prior knowledge of the condition.

Three years later, Ward is managing the lasting health consequences of her ordeal. These include osteoporosis from steroid treatments, blood clots, lung disease, and a common variable immune deficiency. She also experiences expressive aphasia due to a brain injury, impacting her ability to form words.

Despite these challenges, Ward is pursuing her education and working part-time. She is dedicated to sharing her journey online to support others facing similar struggles with HAE and to raise awareness about the disorder.