A California mother, Laura Barajas, has faced a harrowing ordeal that resulted in the amputation of all four of her limbs after consuming undercooked tilapia, according to sources. The 40-year-old underwent this life-altering surgery recently following a months-long hospitalization.

Laura's friend, Anna Messina, shared the devastating details of her friend's health crisis. Barajas, who is a mother to a 6-year-old son, fell seriously ill shortly after consuming tilapia she had purchased from a local market in San Jose and prepared at home.

  
Pic: Laura Barajas

"It's just been really heavy on all of us. It's terrible. This could've happened to any of us," said Messina, emphasizing the shock and concern among their social circle.

"She was placed under a medically induced coma," she elaborated. "Her fingers, feet, and even her lower lip had turned black. She was battling full-blown sepsis, and her kidneys were in critical condition."

Messina further revealed the extent of Barajas' illness, explaining that she nearly lost her life and had to rely on a respirator. Medical professionals had to induce a coma to combat the severe infection. Barajas exhibited alarming physical symptoms, with blackened fingers, feet, and lips, along with complete sepsis and kidney failure.

  
Pic: Laura Barajas

According to Messina, the root cause of Barajas' illness was an infection with Vibrio Vulnificus, a potentially fatal bacteria commonly found in raw seafood and seawater. 

In response to this dire situation, Messina initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Barajas' mounting medical expenses and help her adapt to her dramatically altered life. As of the time of writing, the fundraiser has raised more than $52,282 (roughly RM 245,254++).

This incident serves as a crucial reminder to exercise heightened caution when handling raw food, particularly seafood.

Source: NY Post