Laura Barajas, a 40-year-old mother from California, tragically lost all four of her limbs following a life-saving amputation surgery. The surgery was necessitated after she contracted a severe bacterial infection from eating undercooked Tilapia fish that she had purchased from a local market in San Jose.
The incident occurred in July last year, and Laura spent several months in the hospital battling the life-threatening infection. According to her friend, Anna Messina, Laura “almost lost her life” after contracting sepsis. “It’s been incredibly heavy on all of us. This could have happened to any of us,” Messina told Kron 4. “She was on a respirator, and her fingers, feet, and bottom lip turned black. She had complete sepsis, and her kidneys were failing.”
Medical professionals believe the infection was caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacterium that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned about. The CDC reports that 150-200 cases of Vibrio infections occur annually in the U.S., with approximately one in five cases resulting in death. Individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the bacteria, which can be contracted by consuming contaminated food or by exposing open wounds to infected water, told the Mirror.
Dr. Natasha Spottiswoode, an infectious disease expert, explained the risks associated with the bacteria: “You can get infected by either eating something contaminated or by having a cut or tattoo exposed to water where this bacteria thrives.” She urged people to take precautions, especially those with compromised immune systems, by avoiding high-risk foods and activities, such as swimming with open wounds.
To support Laura’s medical expenses and ongoing care, Anna Messina launched a GoFundMe page, which has so far raised $36,000 toward a $150,000 goal. Messina wrote, “Be thankful for what we have because it can be taken away so quickly.” The funds aim to help cover the costs of Laura’s care, as well as assist her partner, Jose, who has exhausted his paid time off and now receives only 60% of his income through the Family Disability program.
“This family is in desperate need of our help,” Messina shared on the fundraising page. “The mounting hospital bills are overwhelming, and Laura’s condition will require significant adjustments as they adapt to her new circumstances.”