UK teen's Christmas market food nightmare. E.coli contamination battle ends in miracle
British newspaper The Guardian provides more details on the incident. The paper reported that Antonia Hay visited a local Christmas market in the village of Great Missenden in November 2023. What was expected to be a pleasant day filled with joyful memories turned into an unimaginable nightmare.
7:56 AM EST, December 30, 2023
Steve Hay, Antonia's father, reports that his daughter consumed a dish at the market that was believed to be contaminated with E.coli bacteria. Consequently, the young girl became severely sick, so much so that she was very close to losing her life.
Antonia was rushed to the hospital to save her life. Her condition deteriorated by the minute until her kidneys stopped functioning correctly, and kidney failure ensued. Antonia underwent several complex surgeries and a blood transfusion. Part of her intestine was even removed. This led to a two-week stay in the intensive care unit.
Hospitalized after tragedy at the Christmas market
According to The Guardian, Antonia was diagnosed with a rare condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by E. coli o157. Although her life was in danger for days, she ultimately survived.
She was lucky to make it. Amidst the undeniably immense stress, pain, and trauma, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. This is especially noteworthy considering her extreme phobia of injections - quoted Jemima Hay, Antonia's older sister, in The Guardian.
The victim's family has now set up a GoFundMe fundraiser. The collected funds will aid the teenager during her ongoing recovery.
