Woman Suffers Life-Threatening Infection After Pet's Transmission of Deadly Bacteria

Sepsis Outbreaks Traced to Dog Licks

Manjit Sangha, a 56-year-old UK woman, experienced a severe case of sepsis after her pet dog licked a minor cut on her skin. This incident, reported in July 2025, resulted in her losing all four limbs and suffering six cardiac arrests.

Sepsis Overview Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. This condition can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications if left untreated.

Incident Details Sangha's condition deteriorated rapidly, with her heart stopping six times during her intensive care stay. Surgeons amputated both legs below the knee and both hands to prevent the infection from spreading. She also developed pneumonia and gallstones, and spent 32 weeks in the hospital before being discharged.

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Warning Signs Her husband struggled to comprehend the speed of her decline, highlighting the importance of taking sepsis seriously. Even minor wounds should not be ignored, as cases like Sangha's "could happen to anybody."

Similar Incident In a separate incident, June Baxter, an 83-year-old retired woman from England's Norfolk, died due to septic shock triggered by a dog's lick on an open wound. The infection was caused by Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium commonly found in domestic dogs.

Key Statistics

• 24 hours: Timeframe in which Sangha's condition deteriorated
• 6: Number of times Sangha's heart stopped during intensive care
• 32 weeks: Length of time Sangha spent in the hospital
• 83: Age of June Baxter at the time of her death

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