Teenager Has Legs and Fingers Amputated After Mistaking a Serious Illness for the Flu: ‘My Feet Were Green’

Teenage Girl in England Forced to Undergo Limb Amputations Due to Misdiagnosed Serious Infection

In a tragic turn of events, a young college student in England, Ketia Moponda, found herself facing life-changing consequences after mistaking a severe illness for a common flu infection. The 19-year-old’s ordeal began shortly after starting her first term at De Montfort University in Leicester in September 2024, where she fell ill with what she initially believed to be the ‘freshers’ flu’.

The distressing situation unfolded over the course of eight days, as Ketia’s symptoms progressed from a mild cough to a debilitating condition. Despite her worsening state, she hesitated to seek medical attention, attributing her sickness to the common flu that often affects students at the beginning of the academic year.

As her condition deteriorated, Ketia recalled feeling increasingly unwell, eventually confiding in her cousin and best friend about her fear of imminent death. Alarmed by her sudden silence, her friend raised the alarm with the university authorities, leading to the discovery of Ketia unconscious in her dorm room. She was promptly rushed to the ICU at Leicester Royal Infirmary hospital for urgent medical care.

Medical investigations revealed that Ketia had contracted meningococcal septicaemia, a life-threatening bacterial infection that had progressed to bacterial meningitis and sepsis. The severity of her condition necessitated emergency amputations of her fingers and both legs in January. Meningococcal disease, as described by the Cleveland Clinic, poses a significant risk of infecting the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord, as well as the bloodstream, with potential long-term complications for survivors.

Upon regaining consciousness after being placed in a medically induced coma, Ketia faced the harsh reality of her amputations and the challenges that lay ahead in her recovery journey. The young student, once physically active with aspirations of modelling, expressed profound grief at the loss of her limbs. Despite the overwhelming emotional toll, she exhibited remarkable resilience and determination to adapt to her new reality.

Following her discharge from the hospital in February, Ketia commenced the process of rehabilitation, receiving prosthetic lower legs in May to aid her in relearning how to walk independently. Her unwavering spirit and positive outlook on life have been instrumental in her healing process, as she strives to break barriers and raise awareness about the importance of timely medical intervention and vigilance in recognising symptoms of serious illnesses.

Ketia’s inspirational story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of health and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming life’s most daunting challenges. Her journey towards acceptance and empowerment underscores the importance of advocating for one’s well-being and seeking timely medical assistance in critical situations.

As Ketia continues to navigate her path towards recovery and redefine her sense of self in the face of adversity, her courage and determination stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit that propels individuals to transcend their limitations and embrace life’s uncertainties with unwavering grace.