FBI star Derek Hedlund was warned doctors might AMPUTATE his leg after flesh-eating bacteria infected a ‘tiny’ crab scratch
- Crab clawed his leg while he was moving a jet ski in New Jersey in July
- ‘Tiny’ scratch immediately started swelling up
- Hedlund sought medical attention, and was diagnosed with flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio
- Was warned that if it continued to spread, his leg would need to be amputated
FBI actor Derek Hedlund has revealed doctors warned he could be forced to have his leg amputated – after he became infected by a strain of ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria.
Derek was helping a friend move a jet ski in New Jersey in July when he was clawed by a crab, with the ‘tiny’ cut swelling alarmingly, he told Page Six.
He says a doctor told him: ‘You see this line on your leg? That is the [vibriosis] spreading up your leg. You can literally see it.’
He was warned that if the bacteria continued to progress, the only solution would be amputation.
Back at work: FBI star Derek Hedlund is seen on set, a month after he was told doctors might need to AMPUTATE his leg after flesh-eating bacteria infected a ‘tiny’ crab scratch
The bacterial strain that infected Hedlund was identified as Vibrio, which in rare cases can cause necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease.
There are around a dozen different types of Vibrio bacteria that can cause various forms of vibriosis, some more dangerous than others.
Luckily medics managed to resolve Hedlund’s infection – and he was soon back on set, filming the second series of his CBS show.
A picture shared to Instagram around this time, showed Hedlund on crutches on the FBI set on August 3.
Before the infection: Hedlund on vacation before the incident
He wrote: ‘When @FBICBS Calls I answer! Even if I cant walk! Wait until you see what Agent JT had to do for this episode even though he showed up in Crutches! Dedication LOL. Catch me in our Season Two Premiere this September 24th on CBS! No breaks for the FBI!’
He told Page Six he discharged himself from hospital against medical advice to film the show in August.
And one of his first scenes involved chasing terrorists through Central Park.
‘I did what I needed to do, and I’m still alive,’ the actor said.
WHAT IS FLESH-EATING BACTERIA?
Necrotizing fasciitis is a bacterial infection that quickly kills surrounding tissue.
S. pyogenes hijacks neurons and exploits the normal communication that occurs between the nervous and immune system
Once the bacteria enters the body, it can spread to the muscles, nerves, fat and blood cells around the infected site causing damage.
Death can occur if it is not stopped quickly enough.
Symptoms:
- Pain or soreness
- Swelling near wound
- Ulcers, blisters or black spots
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
Treatment:
Strong antibiotics are imperative to treating the disease and are typically administrated through an IV.
Surgery is recommended when the antibiotics are unable to reach the tissue that has already been infected.
This happens when the bacteria has prevented blood flow to those areas.
If any of the infection is left in the body after surgery, it can cause organ failure and the patient will die.