By Manjiri Patil | February 25, 2026 | Representative image: Canva
Representative image: Canva
A dog lick may seem harmless, just a tender gesture from a beloved pet. But for 22-year-old UK mother and wife Manjit Sangha, a minor scratch on her skin turned into a life-threatening ordeal
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The tiny wound — possibly licked by her dog — developed into sepsis, a rare but deadly condition where the body’s response to infection goes haywire
Representative image: Canva
Her immune system, instead of fighting the bacteria normally, launched a cascade of inflammation that her body couldn’t contain
Representative image: Canva
Within 24 hours, Manjit was unconscious in hospital, fighting multiple organ failure, repeated cardiac arrests, and the eventual loss of all four limbs
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According to National Institutes of Health (NIH), sepsis happens when your body goes overboard fighting an infection
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In sepsis, your immune system kicks into high gear, which can hurt your organs, mess up your blood flow, and in bad cases, cause septic shock and death
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Sepsis often starts with bacteria — from skin wounds, lung infections, bladder problems, or gut issues — but viruses and fungi can set it off too
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Even small cuts, like Manjit’s scratch, can lead to sepsis if bacteria get into your blood and your immune system can’t handle it
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Watch out for symptoms including high or very low body temperature, with shaking, quick breathing, low blood pressure, peeing less than usual, patchy skin, limbs feeling cold, among others
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Doctors give antibiotics to fight infection. Fluids and Vasopressors help keep BP up and organs working. Source control will drain pus or taking out infection
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Always clean and treat even tiny cuts or scrapes right away, and get medical help for infections. Wash hands often and take care of long-term health issues