Mother-of-four Ayla Garcia dies from salmonella infection after consuming contaminated ice in Kenya
The woman had travelled to Kenya with her church and family to help orphaned children when she suddenly became ill.
A mother of four has died weeks after she became seriously ill from a salmonella infection she contracted after consuming contaminated ice.
Ayla Garcia, who hails from the US, travelled to Kenya with her church and family on July 1 to a home for orphaned children when she suddenly became sick and hospitalised in the intensive care unit.
The infection had spread to Ms Garcia’s kidney, liver and blood and she had been given a number of blood transfusions, while also requiring dialysis treatment, according to People.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Virginia-based woman had a pre-existing condition known as sickle cell disease, People said, citing her family.
According to the Mayo Clinic, sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can cause symptoms such as swelling of the hands and feet, anemia, and being prone to frequent infections.
On July 19, Ms Garcia shared a video from her hospital bed, where she appeared to struggle with breathing, People said.
“Yes, I’m still in Kenya and I’m trying to make it home,” she reportedly said.
Her family shared an update on July 22, saying that she was “progressing” though was “still not in the clear”.
But on July 24, the family sadly announced that Ms Garcia had died.
She was 36 years old.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share our beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, niece, friend Ayla, has passed. Her fight against sickle cell was hard fought,” the family said, according to People.
Plans are underway to have Ms Garcia’s body returned to the US.
