What is sepsis and how is it treated?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection. Treatment involves rapid administration of antibiotics and supportive care, and sometimes surgery.

Can a kidney stone cause sepsis for a traveller like Ms. San Jose?

Yes, an infected kidney stone can obstruct the urinary tract and lead to a severe infection that can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis.

What are the risks of not having travel insurance for medical emergencies abroad?

Without travel insurance, individuals are personally responsible for all medical costs, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars for serious incidents.

Home / Health / Sepsis Scare: Mum Nearly Dies on US Layover

Sepsis Scare: Mum Nearly Dies on US Layover

5 Dec

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Summary

Mum contracted sepsis on a US layover, doctors said she was hours from dying.
A kidney stone infection spread, leading to a life-threatening sepsis diagnosis.
Family faces tens of thousands in medical bills after skipping travel insurance.

Sepsis Scare: Mum Nearly Dies on US Layover

A family's dream holiday to Honduras took a terrifying turn when a Sydney mother contracted sepsis during a layover in Dallas, Texas. Ms. San Jose, 26, was on her way to celebrate Christmas with her fiancé and three young children when she fell critically ill.

Doctors initially misdiagnosed her symptoms as a kidney stone, but her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a sepsis diagnosis. She was told she was hours from dying, necessitating emergency surgery and a lengthy recovery. Her fiancé had to take their children to Honduras alone.

Now recovering, the family faces substantial medical bills, estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars, as they did not purchase travel insurance for the trip. They are currently seeking to fly to Honduras to reunite with their children and are appealing for help to cover the unexpected costs.