Nigel Hunt, 59, from the UK’s Isles of Scilly, developed a life-threatening infection after what was initially thought to be a simple spider bite.
Just before departing for a holiday in Sharm El-Sheikh, Hunt was bitten on his stomach, likely by a false widow or brown recluse spider. Initially, the bite didn’t cause much concern, and Hunt felt well enough to continue with his travel plans.However, within days, he began to feel increasingly unwell, as reported by Metro UK.
Hunt described his experience during his trip, he said, “On arriving at the airport and travelling through check-in we made our way to departures. At this point, everything seemed to deteriorate quite quickly from being sick in the departure lounge to having my head in a sick bag for most of the journey.”
Further talking about the diagnosis, Hunt said, “On arrival at Sharm El Sheikh, we collected our belongings and made our way to the pharmacy for some antibiotics or something to help with the sickness. They prescribed a couple of things and the following day we went to hospital to be prescribed the same medication,”
Upon examination, doctors determined the bite had caused necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening flesh-eating infection. “If I hadn’t been to the hospital for a second examination within six to 10 days, I would be dead,” said Hunt describing the severity of the situation.
Currently, Hunt is still undergoing treatment and has to ensure the infection doesn’t spread before he can return home. He advises residents of Isles of Scilly to be cautious: “I thought it only right to tell everyone on the Isles of Scilly to be careful and check for spiders.”
Sandra, Hunt’s wife, added that the experience has been distressing. “Nigel is still going to the hospital to have the gaping wound cleaned and repacked without any anaesthetic. It’s awful to witness,” she said.
The couple hopes their experience raises awareness and prevents others from facing similar challenges.
Just before departing for a holiday in Sharm El-Sheikh, Hunt was bitten on his stomach, likely by a false widow or brown recluse spider. Initially, the bite didn’t cause much concern, and Hunt felt well enough to continue with his travel plans.However, within days, he began to feel increasingly unwell, as reported by Metro UK.
Hunt described his experience during his trip, he said, “On arriving at the airport and travelling through check-in we made our way to departures. At this point, everything seemed to deteriorate quite quickly from being sick in the departure lounge to having my head in a sick bag for most of the journey.”
Further talking about the diagnosis, Hunt said, “On arrival at Sharm El Sheikh, we collected our belongings and made our way to the pharmacy for some antibiotics or something to help with the sickness. They prescribed a couple of things and the following day we went to hospital to be prescribed the same medication,”
Upon examination, doctors determined the bite had caused necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening flesh-eating infection. “If I hadn’t been to the hospital for a second examination within six to 10 days, I would be dead,” said Hunt describing the severity of the situation.
Currently, Hunt is still undergoing treatment and has to ensure the infection doesn’t spread before he can return home. He advises residents of Isles of Scilly to be cautious: “I thought it only right to tell everyone on the Isles of Scilly to be careful and check for spiders.”
Sandra, Hunt’s wife, added that the experience has been distressing. “Nigel is still going to the hospital to have the gaping wound cleaned and repacked without any anaesthetic. It’s awful to witness,” she said.
The couple hopes their experience raises awareness and prevents others from facing similar challenges.