The Unfortunate Event

In December 2022, a 49-year-old man from Dublin, Craig Jones, described by family members as “fit as a fiddle,” suffered a tragic incident that ended his life due to a rare infection. This infection led to multiorgan failure and sepsis, with a subsequent coroner’s report suggesting it was likely acquired from his pet dog licking an open wound on his body.

Initial Symptoms and Hospitalization

Just days before his hospitalization, Jones began experiencing severe symptoms, including hallucinations, vomiting, and diarrhea. His condition worsened rapidly, prompting emergency intervention, and by December 20, he was admitted to the hospital. Once there, he suffered six cardiac arrests within hours and was placed on life support as his health continued to decline.

Medical Investigation

Despite efforts to determine the cause of infection during his hospital stay, routine tests were inconclusive. Further investigations revealed that the bacterial infection Jones contracted was one usually seen in cases of animal bites, although his family confirmed he had not experienced any such bite from his dog.

Microbiologist Eoghan O’Neill, who provided insights during the inquest, noted that while infections from pet saliva are rare, they can occur when the saliva comes into contact with broken skin. In this instance, Jones’s psoriasis created a significant entry point for the bacteria.

Contributing Health Factors

At the time of his death, Craig Jones was receiving injections to manage psoriasis; these treatments may have compromised his immune system. Additionally, he had previously undergone spleen removal, a condition which further diminished his body’s ability to fend off infections. O’Neill indicated that although the infection occurs in only 0.5% to 1% of the population, it can become life-threatening rapidly, with a mortality rate of up to 33% upon entering the bloodstream.

Recommendations for Pet Owners

Following this heart-wrenching case, Coroner Cróna Gallagher emphasized the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices around pets, particularly for individuals with cuts or other forms of broken skin. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential health risks associated with pet interactions, especially in vulnerable individuals.