HanoiA few days after being stabbed in the back of her hand by a catfish gill barb (fish barb), the 57-year-old woman had a fever, the lesions spread to her arm, and the doctor determined that she had sepsis.
On March 30, Doctor Tran Van Bac, Deputy Head of the Emergency Department, Central Tropical Diseases Hospital, said the patient had septic shock, cellulitis, and was in serious condition.
The patient works as a fish seller, has a history of rheumatoid arthritis for many years, and regularly takes traditional medicine. After being stabbed in her right hand by a fish spine, she went to a medical facility for examination and was diagnosed with cellulitis. Five days later, her condition did not improve, and she was transferred to the Central Tropical Diseases Hospital.
Cellulitis is caused by bacteria attacking the body through scratches or insect bites on the skin, showing signs of redness, pain, heat, and swelling. Blisters appear in the damaged area, and the patient has a high fever, possibly due to a serious infection. The infection progresses very quickly, and may appear after a few hours of fever, chills, and increased heart rate. Patients can die from septic shock if not treated early.
Doctors warn that people with immunodeficiencies such as cirrhosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, using immunosuppressant drugs, herbal medicines of unknown origin… are very susceptible to infections caused by different strains. Bacteria from water enter. At that time, there is a risk of serious necrosis and rapid progression of shock, which is life-threatening.
Immunocompromised people must take medication as prescribed by their doctor and manage underlying diseases well to prevent disorders or more severe immunosuppression. In case of injury, it must be treated properly. People who work in contact with fish or water, or take care of animals, must wear thick gloves to avoid scratches and bacterial infections. When scratched, do not be subjective, disinfect the wound immediately, and go to a medical facility if there are signs of illness for timely treatment.