A woman in the United Kingdom lost all four of her limbs after a rapidly progressing infection left her in a life-threatening medical crisis. The case has drawn attention because it shows how a common condition called sepsis can develop swiftly from something as ordinary as a minor skin injury.
A Sudden Medical Emergency
In July 2025, Manjit Sangha, a 52-year-old resident of Wolverhampton, began feeling unwell one evening after returning home from work. Within hours her condition worsened significantly — she struggled to breathe, her skin and lips turned an unusual color, and she became unresponsive.
Her husband found her in a critical state the following morning and rushed her to New Cross Hospital, where doctors determined she was suffering from severe sepsis. This condition occurs when the body’s response to an infection becomes unregulated and harms its own tissues and organs.
The Infection and Its Possible Origin
Medical experts believe the infection may have started when bacteria entered Sangha’s bloodstream through a small cut or scratch on her skin that her dog had licked. Although a dog’s saliva is usually harmless, certain bacteria — such as Capnocytophaga canimorsus — can sometimes cause serious illness if they enter the body through an open wound.
Once the bacteria gained entry, Sangha’s immune system reacted intensely. Rather than containing the infection, her body went into septic shock, a severe form of sepsis marked by dangerously low blood pressure and widespread inflammation.
Rapid Decline and Surgeries
In the intensive care unit, Sangha’s condition became critical. Over the course of several weeks she suffered multiple cardiac arrests and other complications including pneumonia. Surgeons ultimately made the difficult decision to remove both her legs below the knees, both hands, and her spleen to prevent the infection from spreading further and to save her life.
She remained hospitalized for 32 weeks, undergoing treatments and surgeries before she was well enough to go home. The long recovery process included intensive care, rehabilitation, and support from her family.
Understanding Sepsis
Sepsis is not a simple infection. It is the body’s overwhelming reaction to an infection, which triggers widespread inflammation and can quickly damage organs and tissues. In severe cases, it leads to septic shock, where blood pressure drops sharply and organs begin to fail.
Because the early symptoms — such as fever, rapid heartbeat, chills, or confusion — can mimic less serious illnesses, sepsis can be difficult to recognize at first. That’s why timely medical evaluation is crucial when someone shows signs of infection that worsen suddenly.
Lessons from the Case
Sangha’s experience highlights that a seemingly minor wound or everyday interaction with a pet can lead to serious outcomes in rare cases. Doctors stress that while most pet contacts are safe, pet owners should avoid letting animals lick open cuts or broken skin.
Prompt wound care — such as washing thoroughly with soap and water and using a clean dressing — can reduce the chance of bacteria entering the body. If someone develops unusual symptoms after an injury or infection, medical attention should be sought without delay.
A Long Road Ahead
Though her life changed dramatically, Sangha has shown resilience in recovery. Her family has organized fundraising efforts to help cover the cost of advanced prosthetics and ongoing rehabilitation, an indication of the long-term impact such infections can have on individuals and their families.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that serious infections can begin from small, everyday occurrences — and that early recognition, care, and awareness can make a crucial difference. Understanding how sepsis develops and acting quickly remain key to preventing life-altering outcomes.
Satyakam is a seasoned professional content writer with over 15 years of experience in creating high-quality, research-driven content for digital platforms. He specialises in business, finance, banking, law, technology, and informational blogs.
