A dancer’s dream almost ended in tragedy when a rare, flesh-eating bacteria struck. Olivia Kiger-Camilo hailed as a “miracle child” after her remarkable recovery from this deadly infection that affects only about 2,000 people each year, faced an incredible ordeal.
At just 17, the West Virginia native was competing in a dance competition in March when she noticed her foot was injured and bleeding. Initially thinking she might have broken a toe, Olivia persevered through the pain.
As reported by the Intelligencer, she demonstrated incredible determination by cleaning the wound, icing her foot, and continuing to dance.
“As a dancer and an athlete, you tend to brush off injuries,” Kiger-Camilo shared with a famous news channel. However, as hours passed, the pain intensified, making her realize this was something far more serious.
Her parents hurried her to the hospital, but no number of painkillers or treatment could alleviate her suffering.
The teen was in the hospital for almost a month following the diagnosis.
In less than 24 hours, Olivia’s condition took a dramatic turn for the worse: her foot turned black and blue, her blood pressure dropped dangerously low, and her body temperature soared to 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
Diagnosis and Battle Against the Flesh-Eating Bacteria: Necrotizing Fasciitis
The teenager was swiftly airlifted to West Virginia University Medicine Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, where doctors diagnosed her with a rare and potentially fatal case of monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis.
Kiger-Camilo quickly found herself in the pediatric intensive care unit, hooked up to a ventilator, where she spent nearly a month enduring multiple surgeries to eradicate the bacteria.
Despite the lengthy ordeal, Kiger-Camilo remained unafraid, crediting the hospital staff for their exceptional care and support.
“I felt like I had a new family there taking care of me, and I never felt scared,” she shared. “I always knew someone would help me—whether to make me laugh, hold my hand, or give me medicine.”
The 17-year-old is thrilled she’ll be able to dance again.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
At the end of April, Kiger-Camilo returned to WVU Hospital for a skin graft, marking a significant step in her recovery journey. By early May, she finally returned home for good. However, her battle wasn’t over yet; she needed to rebuild her strength and mobility, which had dwindled during her month-long confinement.
With the support and guidance of her dedicated doctors and the community, she embarked on a physical therapy journey to regain her former athleticism.
Her remarkable story of resilience will be celebrated as she is honored as a “Miracle Child” during the WVU Medicine Children’s Gala on August 6.
“The transport team not only saved my life but saves lives every single day,” she expressed to the news channel. “For children who might not have access to competent medical care in their vicinity, these resources offer them a shot at life by transporting them to hospitals staffed with incredibly compassionate and highly trained professionals dedicated solely to saving lives. It’s a daily heroism that deserves recognition.”
References
17-Year-Old Dancer Recovers from Flesh-Eating Bacteria: ‘Miracle Child’ [Internet]. Accessed on May 27, 2024. Available from: https://people.com/health/west-virginia-teen-recovers-from-flesh-eating-bacteria-miracle-child/
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